Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has informed Como that the Serie A club must pay €60 million to secure Nico Paz on a permanent deal, effectively preventing the player’s return to the Bernabeu. The situation has shifted in recent days, with Paz, 21, expressing a preference to remain at Como rather than compete for playing time with Real Madrid’s established stars.
Paz has been a key figure for Como since joining in 2024, scoring 18 league goals and providing 14 assists across two seasons, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. Initially, it was widely anticipated that Real Madrid would activate a €6 million buy-back clause included in Paz’s original transfer agreement.
However, according to reports from Di Marzio, Mourinho has given the green light for Paz to depart, respecting the player’s desire for regular first-team football. The message to Como is clear: if they wish to retain Paz, they must purchase him outright, with no consideration for further loan arrangements.
While Como technically owns Paz’s registration, Real Madrid retained significant control over his future when sanctioning the transfer in 2024, accepting a fee below his market value in exchange for a €10 million buy-back option, valid until June 30th. Corriere dello Sport describes Paz as a ‘global sensation’ and highlights the complex web of clauses surrounding the deal.
Paz’s current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €64.5 million, positioning him as the fifth-most valuable player in Serie A. Real Madrid’s €60 million demand represents an attempt to recoup the difference between the initial sale price and Paz’s current valuation, ensuring a “significant profit” from the transaction. The player is currently focused on Argentina’s World Cup campaign, while his representatives explore options to facilitate a permanent move to Como, despite the financial challenge.
