MADRID, SPAIN — Real Madrid have activated a €9 million buy-back clause to re-sign former youth midfielder Nico Paz from Italian side Como as part of a broader squad rebuild following a challenging season.
The decision reflects the club’s urgent effort to fix long-standing issues in midfield, where inconsistency in control, creativity, and balance has affected performances throughout the campaign.
Club officials have already taken the final decision to bring the 21-year-old back, viewing him as a low-cost internal solution to strengthen the centre of the pitch ahead of future competitions.
Real Madrid’s struggles in midfield have become a central concern, with the team frequently unable to sustain dominance in key matches or maintain fluid transitions between defence and attack.
Nico Paz, who left Madrid for Como in 2024 for just over €6 million, has spent the last two seasons developing in Italy, where he has gained regular senior football experience and improved his tactical awareness.
His performances in Italy have reportedly impressed Real Madrid scouts, who now believe he is ready to return and compete for a place in the first team setup.
The financial structure of the deal makes the move particularly attractive for Madrid, as the original transfer included a €9 million buy-back clause and a 50% future rights agreement, allowing the club to retain strong control over his long-term value.
Como have been informed of Real Madrid’s decision to trigger the clause, with both clubs maintaining a positive relationship that has helped smooth discussions surrounding the transfer process.
The Italian club, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, has developed a reputation as a strong development environment for young players, including several talents linked to elite European clubs.
Real Madrid’s strategy has increasingly focused on monitoring and re-integrating former academy players who mature abroad, reducing transfer risk while strengthening squad depth with familiar profiles.
Alongside Nico Paz, other young prospects such as Jesús Fortea and Dani Yáñez are also being tracked as part of the club’s long-term planning for squad renewal.
The return of Paz is seen internally as a practical reinforcement that addresses a clear tactical gap without requiring major financial investment in the transfer market.
As Madrid continues its squad planning, attention now turns to finalising the agreement and preparing the midfielder for reintegration into the team’s evolving tactical structure.
