Real Madrid and Como are scheduled to hold fresh talks later this week regarding the future of attacking midfielder Nico Paz. Representatives from the Italian club are expected to travel to the Spanish capital on Thursday or Friday to negotiate with Real Madrid chiefs over the 21-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
The situation is time-sensitive, as Real Madrid’s €9 million buy-back option on the player expires on 30 June. The Spanish giants fully intend to activate this clause, with a view to potentially flipping the midfielder for a substantial profit in the Premier League. Alternatively, Los Blancos are open to re-signing Paz and immediately selling him back to Como for €60 million, provided they retain a future buy-back option set at €80 million. However, the Serie A side are reluctant to agree to these terms, hoping instead to leverage the player’s own desire to continue developing under Cesc Fabregas to negotiate a different deal.
Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Nico Paz developed through Real Madrid’s famed La Fábrica academy, quickly catching the eye of youth coaches with his exceptional vision, technical elegance, and ability to unlock stubborn defences from the attacking midfield line. The son of former Argentine international Pablo Paz, the youngster chose to represent La Albiceleste, establishing himself as one of the country’s most exciting modern prospects. His breakthrough performances for Real Madrid’s reserve team eventually earned him senior minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, including a memorable Champions League goal against Napoli in late 2023 that showcased his immense potential on the grandest European stage.
In search of regular top-flight football to accelerate his development, Paz made the move to Como to work under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas, a manager uniquely qualified to nurture elite midfield talent. In Italy, the young Argentine has flourished, becoming the creative heartbeat of the newly promoted side and displaying a tactical maturity well beyond his years. His rapid adaptation to the physical and defensive demands of Serie A made him an indispensable asset for Fàbregas, proving that he could translate his academy brilliance into consistent, high-level senior performances.
This superb domestic form in Italy ultimately forced his way into Argentina’s highly competitive squad for the 2026 World Cup, a milestone that has significantly elevated his global market value. With his stock at an all-time high on the international stage, his performances have triggered this intense, multi-million-euro tug-of-war between Madrid and Lombardy. Whether he returns to the Bernabéu, stays under Fàbregas’ wing, or seals a blockbuster move to the Premier League, the 21-year-old’s trajectory suggests he is destined for the very top of European football.
