Nico Paz will spend the 2026-2027 season at Como after Real Madrid confirmed an agreement allowing the Argentina international to continue his development in Serie A. The Italian club will acquire the remaining 50 per cent of the player’s registration for €60m, taking his total market valuation to €120m. The deal includes a unilateral buy-back clause enabling Real Madrid to re-sign Paz for €80m during the summer of 2027.
The arrangement marks a substantial shift from the original 2024 agreement, when Como paid just €6m to sign the midfielder from the Real Madrid academy. That contract contained either a 50 per cent sell-on fee or a buy-back option set at €9m, but the Spanish club allowed those terms to lapse without activation. The new structure effectively positions Paz for a potential return to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2027, should Real Madrid choose to trigger the clause.
Player’s Decision to Remain
The move materialised at the player’s specific insistence. Real Madrid’s official statement noted the arrangement “has been made at the player’s own request.”
Paz elaborated on his choice via Instagram, stating: “After many weeks of reflection, I have decided that the best option for my career at this time is to stay at the club for another year, the club that gave me the opportunity to grow and become the player I am today.”
He added: “I personally believe this is the best decision for both me and Real Madrid, as it is a very important year at this stage of my career and a unique opportunity to continue growing as a footballer and prepare myself in the best way for the future.”
The Argentina international also addressed supporters directly, saying: “Hi Comaschi, I am very happy to be able to announce that I will stay at Como another year with you. I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to start the new season and see you all back at the stadium. Forza Como.”
Progression Under Fabregas
Since arriving in Lombardy, Paz has flourished under head coach Cesc Fabregas, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s standout young talents. His development convinced Como to invest heavily to secure full ownership of his contract, despite the presence of the substantial buy-back clause.
The agreement allows Paz another campaign of regular first-team football before Real Madrid must decide whether to exercise their €80m option. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming season, with the player seeking to build upon the progress made during his first two years in Italy.