Real Madrid have been given a two-week deadline to activate a buy-back clause for Como midfielder Nico Paz, according to Diario AS. The club retained three buy-back clauses as part of the agreement that saw Paz depart for Italy two years ago, and the first of these has now become active.
Madrid opted against re-signing Paz last summer when the first clause became available, but have now decided to bring the Argentina international back to the Bernabeu. The fee for the transfer will be €9 million, but the club must act quickly to secure the deal, as the clause expires in two weeks. Should they miss the deadline, they would need to wait until next year when a final, more expensive clause worth €10 million becomes active.
Paz has enjoyed a successful spell with Como since leaving Real Madrid, developing into a key player in Serie A. His performances have also attracted interest from other top clubs across Europe, but a return to Madrid appears to be his preferred destination. The impending presidential election between Florentino Perez and Enrique Riquelme is not expected to impact the deal, with the transfer progressing independently of the club’s leadership contest.
The 20-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, though these are expected to be revised to reflect his increased stature since the initial agreement was reached. Manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly identified Paz as one of up to six signings he wants to make this summer as he looks to overhaul the squad. Paz’s return will allow Real Madrid to focus on pursuing other targets, with Mourinho having already submitted a list of potential recruits to the club’s board. This move signifies a shift towards integrating promising young talent into the Real Madrid first team, potentially offering long-term stability in midfield.
