Real Madrid meets Como over Nico Paz as buyback deadline approaches

Nico Paz’s future is expected to be decided in the coming days. Real Madrid has met with Como’s sporting director to negotiate over the Argentine prospect, a delicate situation given the differing plans the two clubs have for the player. Whether to activate their buyback clause or negotiate a full transfer, Madrid has given itself a few more days before deciding what to do with Nico.

Representatives from both clubs met in Madrid on Thursday, with Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi in attendance, in an effort to speed up a decision before June 30, the deadline for Real Madrid to activate its buyback option. That deadline is crucial. As AS has learned, Madrid does not want to make a rushed decision and is working with that timeline in mind, knowing it remains in control until next Tuesday.

Two main options for Real Madrid over Nico Paz

There are two main options on the table. One is for Madrid to trigger its €9 million buyback clause and bring the Argentine midfielder back to the club. That possibility appeared increasingly unlikely just a few weeks ago after the Argentina international reportedly asked Madrid to let him remain at Como for another season. However, the Italian club’s preferred solution is a permanent transfer that would give it full ownership of the player’s rights.

Reports in Italy claim Madrid values Nico Paz at €60 million, a figure believed to be well beyond Como’s financial reach. In addition, Madrid would only consider such a deal if it included a new buyback clause, this time set at €80 million.

Further talks and phone calls are expected over the next few days as both sides attempt to move the negotiations forward. If Madrid does bring Nico back, it is easy to imagine a bidding war breaking out across Europe as clubs look to lure him away from the Santiago Bernabéu once again. The club showing the strongest interest has been Inter Milan, the reigning Italian champion. Vice president Javier Zanetti has a close personal relationship with the player’s father, Pablo Paz, something that could help facilitate negotiations.

What appears increasingly likely, however, is that even if Madrid exercises its buyback clause, it will not be with the intention of keeping Nico Paz in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team squad. Instead, the plan would likely be to send him out again.

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