Real Madrid have reportedly finalized their long-term plan for Nico Paz, deciding to bring the Argentine midfielder back from Como in the summer of 2026, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Serie A rising star of the month of August has a buyback clause with Real Madrid, the journalist revealed in a video uploaded via his X account.
Watch the video below:
Although Los Blancos had the option to trigger an €8 million buyback clause this summer, the club chose to wwait,preferring to let the 20-year-old gain another full season of consistent first-team football in Serie A. Insiders at Valdebebas say the decision was deliberate: Real Madrid believe Paz’s growth trajectory is best served by another year of top-flight minutes before returning to compete for a midfield role.
Paz, a graduate of Real Madrid’s academy, joined Como in 2024 for €6 million, but Madrid cleverly structured the deal — keeping 50% of his economic rights and inserting tiered buyback clauses (€8m in 2025, €9m in 2026, €10m in 2027). Sources now confirm that the 2026 clause is the one the club intends to activate.
The plan was nearly tested this summer when Softfootball reported that Tottenham Hotspur tabled a €70 million bid for Paz a deal that ultimately went nowhere. Madrid made it clear to both the player and Como that his long-term future lies back in the Spanish capital, effectively blocking any permanent sale.
Internally, Paz is viewed as a core part of Madrid’s next-generation midfield, alongside Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono. The expectation is that by 2026, he will return as a more polished, mentally tougher player one capable of easing into a squad led by Xabi Alonso.
Playing regularly in Italy has already accelerated Paz’s development and increased his visibility with Argentina’s national team, with whispers suggesting he could earn a place in their 2026 World Cup squad if his form continues.
For now, Real Madrid are simply watching and waiting. But make no mistake: Nico Paz’s future, barring any surprises, is written in white.
