A sudden institutional storm is brewing behind the scenes at Valdebebas. Just when it seemed certain that Nico Paz would be making a triumphant return to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, the academy graduate has thrown a massive wrench into the club’s plans. According to an exclusive report from Corriere dello Sport, Paz has officially expressed his preference to stay another season under Cesc Fàbregas at Como—a decision that has reportedly not been well received by the Real Madrid board.
The 21-year-old midfielder has thrived in Italy, and the prospect of playing a starring role in Como’s historic upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign has convinced him that staying put is the best move for his development. However, his refusal to immediately pack his bags has deeply irked the Merengue hierarchy.
The Buy-Back Crunch: A €10M Decision
Real Madrid’s original plan was entirely straightforward. The club had already decided to activate their highly favorable €10 million buy-back clause this month. The explicit goal was to bring Paz back for the pre-season tour, allowing head coach Álvaro Arbeloa to personally evaluate the emerging talent during the summer training camp before making a definitive squad decision.
With Paz digging his heels in, the board is now mulling over the best course of action before the June 30th deadline hits. Legally, Los Blancos hold all the cards and could choose from two distinct pathways:
- The 2027 Postponement: Delay the entire buy-back procedure by 12 months. Real Madrid retains a clause to sign him for €11 million next summer, meaning a one-year delay only costs an extra €1 million.
- The €60M Ultimatum: Force Como’s hand. Part of the club’s brass and Arbeloa believe that if the Italian side wants to rely on Paz for a consecutive season, they must purchase him outright at his true market value—which Madrid values at roughly €60 million.
A €60 million price tag would instantly price Como out of the running, while similarly forcing long-term admirers Inter Milan to withdraw. Only select Premier League giants and a few elite European powerhouses possess that kind of financial muscle for an emerging prospect.
RMxtra Verdict: Let Him Cook Under Fàbregas
The anger from the front office is understandable, but cooler heads must prevail here. Real Madrid’s midfield is already completely stacked, especially after finalizing the high-profile acquisition of Bernardo Silva. Finding consistent minutes for Paz under Arbeloa next season was always going to be a logistical nightmare, making a direct buy-back followed by an immediate loan highly unlikely.
Paz enjoyed a phenomenal relationship with Arbeloa during his academy days, which makes his hesitation to return somewhat surprising. Yet, looking at this strictly from a development standpoint, playing 30+ games as a protagonist in the Champions League with Como will do wonders for his valuation and maturity.
Valdebebas might want an immediate resolution, but the smartest play is to let him stay in Italy, activate the €11 million clause in 2027, and welcome back an undeniable, elite-level superstar next summer.