Real Madrid have been told that they can re-sign their youth player Nico Paz 'whenever they want' as Como president reveals their transfer plan. Madrid sold Paz to Como in 2024 but they have the option in the deal to re-sign the wonderkid for €9m in 2026 or €10m in 2027, a fraction of his current market value. Since moving to Italy last year, Paz has thrived under Cesc Fabregas.
Paz has thrived at Como under Fabregas
Como signed the Madrid wonderkid in the summer of 2024 for a reported €6 million (£5.2m/$6.9m) fee. Since moving to Italy, Paz has been a hit for Como as he appeared in 35 matches across all competitions last season, where he contributed with six goals and nine assists. His impressive debut campaign in the Serie A made him a hot commodity in the summer transfer window, as Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur submitted a whopping €70m (£61m/$82m) bid with the Italians. However, the midfielder chose to stay put at Como, while the club also wanted him to continue with the club.
In the current campaign, the young attacking midfielder is once again thriving under Fabregas, as he has already registered three goals and as many assists in seven matches across all competitions, as Como remain in the top half of the Serie A table after their first six games.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMadrid remain keen on bringing back youth player
Madrid, who are planning to spend heavily in the next summer window, have plans to strengthen their midfield and the backline. They have created a shortlist of midfield options for next year, although their youth player Paz remains a priority for the club, especially after how he has performed in Italy. Their deal with Como in 2024 allows Los Blancos to re-sign the Argentine for €9m in 2026 or €10m in 2027, a fraction of his current market value. His tactical versatility, ability to play as a midfielder, winger, or even a full-back, makes him an ideal squad option for Xabi Alonso’s long-term rebuild.
Como chief admits Madrid are free to take back their academy product
Como President Mirwan Suwarso addressed Paz's transfer situation while speaking to , where he admitted that the Italian side won't be able to do much if Madrid come knocking on their door, as they already have an agreement in place.
Suwarso said: "I couldn’t care less. It’s a situation we agreed on from the beginning. Real Madrid are allowed to buy him back whenever they want. It’s up to Nico to decide what he wants to do with his future. We are very happy to have him. We like to build a home for him in Como. He chose to stay this season, and we take it day by day. We see how it goes. Does he go back to Madrid next season? Madrid have every right to do that. Will he stay with us? It’s up to him whether he wants it or not."
Getty Images Paz could be Messi's worthy successor in Argentina
Paz has admitted in the past that he keeps watching Argentina icon Lionel Messi's videos to improve his game as he attempts to “replicate” what the Inter Miami superstar is capable of. Since earning his maiden international cap last year, Paz has established himself as a key player in Lionel Scaloni's side and will certainly travel to North America next summer for La Albiceleste's World Cup title defence. Amid concern over Messi's participation in the tournament next year, Argentina have a solace in Paz, who is slowly proving himself to be a worthy successor of Messi in the national team as their main creative force in the midfield.
The 21-year-old featured in Scaloni's starting lineup in their latest international friendly against Venezuela earlier this week as the world champions clinched the tie 1-0. They will be back in action for their second and final friendly of the October international break on Wednesday against Puerto Rico. Messi, who did not feature in the last game due to his club commitments, remains uncertain for the upcoming game.