Nico Paz is still in Real Madrid’s plans — and the club isn’t budging

Nico Paz remains firmly in Real Madrid’s blueprint for next season. That’s been the message for months, and today’s update is simple but significant: nothing has changed. Not even a little. Despite Thiago’s breakout and Arda Güler’s rise, Nico is still part of the roadmap.

This isn’t a last‑minute decision. Last summer, the club told him directly that he was in their plans through 2026. Real Madrid gave its word — and that still stands. Meanwhile, Como is doing everything it can to convince him to stay in Italy. But on the other side of the table is Real Madrid. His Real Madrid. That’s a different weight class.

The only thing that could derail the move is if Nico, worried about playing time, decides to turn it down. As of today, that scenario isn’t even on the radar. He wants to return. He dreams of returning. And he will return.

A bargain signing in today’s market

Calling this a “signing” — or rather, a re‑signing — is almost an understatement. Nico Paz will cost €9 million (about $9.7 million) this summer, the buy‑back clause Real Madrid inserted when he left in 2024. The club earned a little over €6 million at the time, meaning the final cost is practically symbolic for a player who has exploded in Italy.

His “two‑year loan disguised as a transfer” has been a massive success. He’s matured, he’s produced, and he’s skyrocketed in value. When he left, he was valued at $16.3 million. Today? $70.7 million. And he’s only 21, with 11 goals and 6 assists this season.

Real Madrid built three return paths into his deal:

The middle one — the $9.7 million option — is the yellow brick road. Madrid will activate it this summer.

On the verge of a World Cup call‑up

Nico’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed in Argentina. Lionel Scaloni included him in the 30‑man preliminary squad for this international window, putting him one step away from the World Cup. His impact in Italy has been seismic — he’s become the face of Cesc Fàbregas’ project at Como, leading a newly promoted team into Champions League territory with eight games left… and pushing Juventus out of the top spots in the process.

Still, Como’s sporting director Carlalberto Ludi is trying to keep hope alive. Speaking on Radio Radio TV last Friday, he said:

“Nico Paz is happy here. Playing in Europe could convince him to stay. There’s a chance he remains. This is an ideal environment for young players — welcoming, ambitious, focused on constant improvement.”

A nice sentiment. But the reality? Wanting isn’t the same as being able.

Versatility Madrid loves

Yes, technically there’s a “possibility” he stays in Italy. But it’s remote. Real Madrid wants him next season — and Nico knows it. The connection between both sides is total. The excitement is mutual.

Madrid sees his versatility as pure gold:

His left foot fits everywhere. More importantly, it fits the plan.

Outgoing moves on the horizon

It’s too early to predict the full squad for next season, but some names are clearly on the edge. The biggest one: Dani Ceballos. Thiago’s emergence affects him directly, and Madrid also plans to promote Thiago to the first team next season. That creates a midfield logjam.

Ceballos’ contract runs until 2027, making this summer decisive: renew or sell. And the second option is the one gaining traction. The challenge? Finding a club willing to match his salary and pay a fee Madrid considers acceptable. It’s a complicated transfer — but both sides know the situation.

Camavinga’s name has also been debated internally, as well as the idea of loaning out Mastantuono. But those conversations are still early. Nico Paz’s case is not.

Bernabéu dreams

Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, said it plainly: “He grew up there… and he dreams of playing at the Bernabéu someday.”

The feeling is so strong that last summer Nico rejected a €70 million ($75M) offer from Tottenham — just to wait for Real Madrid. Because Madrid had given him its word. And that word hasn’t changed.

Madrid made its decision last summer, when the interest around Nico started turning into opera‑level drama. They told him he was part of the plan. That returning would be his choice. And given everything we know — his dream, the club’s commitment, the timing — the conclusion is obvious.

Real Madrid will pay the €9M and bring him back this summer.

He, Endrick, and Thiago will be the club’s first “new signings” for the 2026‑27 season. Decisions made. Clock ticking.

The countdown to Nico Paz’s return has already begun.

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