Nico Paz Set to Stay at Como in Complex Deal with Real Madrid

Nico Paz is expected to remain at Como after intense negotiations between the Italian club and Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano. Real had already decided to activate its 9 million euro buyback clause for the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder, intending to bring him back after his breakout season in Italy.

That plan changed after Paz made clear he wanted to stay, Como pushed hard to keep him, and the clubs used their strong relationship to find a creative solution. Inter also showed serious interest in signing him.

Under the new arrangement, Como will effectively “buy” Paz back in a deal based on a 60 million euro valuation. The club will not pay that amount in cash now, but the figure will be used to set a future sale clause that remains with Real Madrid, alongside a future buyback option for the Spanish club.

Coach Cesc Fàbregas and president Mirwan Suwarso were key in closing the agreement over the last 24 hours. Paz has thrived under Fàbregas, becoming one of Serie A’s most intriguing players, earning major minutes, confidence and a central role, and was named the league’s best midfielder of the season. Real still sees him as part of its long-term strategy of developing academy talents elsewhere in Europe while keeping sporting and financial control, as it has done in cases such as Álvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal.