Como secures Nico Paz stay after €60 million deal with Real Madrid, buy-back clause set for 2027
The Argentine midfielder, briefly reclaimed by Real Madrid through a buy-back clause, will remain at the Serie A club thanks to a multi‑year agreement that values him at €120 million.
Background: the initial 2024 transfer
In summer 2024, Como acquired 50% of Argentine midfielder Nico Paz's rights from Real Madrid for €6 million, with a buy-back clause in favour of the Spanish side. The 21-year-old flourished under Cesc Fàbregas, scoring decisive goals against Inter and Juventus and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.
The buy-back shock
On 25 June 2026, Real Madrid informed Como that it would exercise its buy-back option, valued at between €9 and €10 million according to different reports. That move briefly made Paz a Madrid player again and opened the door for other clubs, with Inter Milan among those waiting to pounce.
A new €60 million structure
Within hours, negotiations produced a fresh settlement. Como will pay €60 million over four years to acquire the remaining 50% of the player's economic rights, while Real Madrid retains a €80 million buy-back clause valid only for the summer 2027 window and a right of first refusal if another bid arrives. The overall value of the player is now estimated at €120 million.
- Como buys 50% of Nico Paz's rights for €6 million, Real Madrid inserts buy-back clause.
- Real Madrid notifies Como of its intention to exercise the buy-back (€9–10 million).
- New agreement reached: Como pays €60 million over four years, Real Madrid gets €80 million buy-back clause for summer 2027.
The player's wish and the coach's bond
Multiple sources report that Paz was determined to stay at Como, where he enjoys a starring role under Fàbregas, rather than face fierce competition at a Real Madrid reshaped by José Mourinho. His Instagram story showing him wearing a Como cap was widely interpreted as a signal.
Nico has a champion's mentality and technical quality you don't see every day. He deserves all the recognition he is receiving.
Inter's missed chance and market ripple
Inter, who had explored the possibility of signing Paz, are now left out. The deal, while not yet officially confirmed by Como, is reported by multiple outlets including Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, and Diario AS, and marks one of the most significant moves of the early summer window.
