World Cup
Nico Paz rejects Real Madrid buy‑back, stays at Como for another season
Nico Paz, the 21‑year‑old midfielder, has chosen to stay at Italian club Como for the 2024‑25 season, rejecting Real Madrid’s planned €9 million buy‑back activation and any immediate move to the Spanish capital despite the arrival of new head coach Jose Mourinho.
Real Madrid have completed four signings recently, with Marc Cucurella joining Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva slated to arrive after the 2026 World Cup.
The club still aims to add another midfielder before the summer window closes, but Nico Paz is considered an unlikely candidate for that role.
For months it was assumed Paz would return to Real Madrid, as the Spanish giants planned to trigger a €9 million buy‑back clause in their agreement with Como.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Real Madrid head coach altered the situation, prompting Paz to decide to remain at Como for another season.
Paz believes he would not secure a place in Mourinho’s squad, especially with the expected arrival of Bernardo Silva adding competition to attacking midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.
Staying at Como allows Paz to continue as their talisman in Serie A and the Champions League, aiding his development before a possible return next summer at a slightly higher price of €10 million.
Real Madrid will continue to pursue further signings, keeping their midfield reinforcement options open despite Paz’s decision.