Real Madrid still want Nico Paz back in 2027 — report
According to a report by The Athletic, Real Madrid are eyeing Como forward Nico Paz as part of their future plan, but have opted not to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabéu immediately due to the lack of a clear role and the need for him to get regular playing time.
According to a report by Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, bringing back Nico Paz remains a priority for Real Madrid — but it won't be done immediately. A product of La Fábrica, the 21-year-old Argentine rose to prominence in Como and became the centerpiece of Cesc Fàbregas' project in Italy. Due to his development last season, Madrid activated their buy-back clause, but they also agreed to sell him back to Como for a higher fee.
Los Blancos did not consider selling Paz to a third team as an option — according to the report, due to regulation and out of respect for Como. The bottom line: Real have priced the player high — even higher than the €80 million buy-back clause — and they still plan to take him back in 2027.
Currently, Real Madrid's plantilla is full so squad decisions are more complicated. According to the report, it may do more harm than good if Nico is immediately returned without a specific role; regular minutes are more important to him at this stage than symbolically being part of the club. If he does return, he must be ready to step up and get a serious chance in the first team, not just sit on the bench behind a crowded midfield and group of attackers.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/13aed7512136e83d862e91a56733ff7017a848a66707550cf2bda0d6231fa5ce/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w1200;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fmadrid_universal_articles_561%2Ff17e6bd78d3a54e7412deb8181f56b74" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>That's why 2027 is considered a more logical window. This way, Madrid can preserve control of the situation through the buy-back clause while allowing Paz to continue to develop in an environment—Como—where he can play regularly. The report also emphasizes that Como deserves respect in this operation: if Madrid only treat Nico as a quick asset for trade, it could damage the relationship and send the wrong message to clubs willing to develop young players.
Nico's talent was never questioned. He has the technical quality, creativity and personality to match Real Madrid's long-term plans. The question that remains is when the move will make sense. Madrid are currently trying to prune the squad before adding players again. In 2027, the situation may change: slots open up in the team, some senior players leave, and Nico may arrive as a bigger star — the ideal scenario for Madrid. They don't need to rush his return just to prove their belief in him.
Paz may or may not have a Madrid future, but it's clear that he has a huge future in the game wherever his career takes him.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://albumimageall.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/liga-pro/universidad-catolica/group/match-images/2026-06-28/4.jpg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>
