Real Madrid’s Nico Paz decision could unlock Alessandro Bastoni transfer as FIFA rule complicates deal
Madrid’s buyback clause for Paz could help pave the way for a Bastoni move, although FIFA transfer rules may force the club to get creative.
Real Madrid’s latest move involving Nico Paz could have a direct impact on the club’s pursuit of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
Although Madrid’s priority remains raising funds through player sales before making any more signings, Mourinho still wants two additions before the transfer window closes, another center back and a midfielder. The Nico Paz situation could prove especially significant because if Madrid is serious about signing Bastoni, Inter is equally determined to land the Argentine playmaker.
Nico Paz buyback is taking shape
A meeting between Como and Real Madrid on Thursday laid the groundwork for Madrid to activate its buyback option for Paz, although club officials are expected to take a few more days before making a final decision.
Madrid can re-sign the midfielder for €9 million (about $10.3 million). According to reports, the Spanish giant would then give Como the option to buy him back for €60 million (roughly $68.4 million), a figure that appears well beyond the Serie A club’s financial reach.
If Madrid exercises its buyback clause and Como cannot afford to bring Paz back, Inter is waiting in the wings. The Nerazzurri are eager to sign the Argentine after his outstanding season in Italy.
In that scenario, it would make sense for Inter to become more flexible in negotiations over Bastoni. Despite remaining one of the club’s most important players, the Italian defender has faced criticism from sections of the fan base over the past season.
Bastoni remains high on Mourinho’s wish list
Real Madrid continues to monitor the market for the additional center back Mourinho wants, alongside the expected arrival of Ibrahima Konaté.
Any move would likely depend on a current defender leaving the squad, with most attention focused on Raúl Asencio. Bastoni has emerged as one of the club’s most realistic options after Manchester City made it clear Rúben Dias is not for sale and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a serious injury.
Sources familiar with the situation say Madrid is considering other names besides Bastoni. However, the Inter defender remains one of Mourinho’s preferred targets. Inter has reportedly indicated it would be willing to negotiate for around €70 million (approximately $80 million).
Barcelona also explored a move for Bastoni but backed away after learning of Inter’s asking price. Now, the Italian club may hold a valuable bargaining chip in its pursuit of Paz.
The Argentine has become one of Serie A’s breakout stars after an exceptional campaign with Como, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances.
FIFA regulations could complicate any deal
Even if Madrid decides to re-sign Paz before selling him to Inter, with or without Bastoni included in the deal, FIFA regulations regarding so-called “bridge transfers” could create a significant obstacle.
Under FIFA rules, at least 16 weeks must pass between a club purchasing a player and selling that same player again. That means Madrid could not immediately buy back Paz and transfer him to Inter during the same window.
One possible workaround could involve a loan with a mandatory purchase option, although it remains unclear whether such a structure would satisfy FIFA regulations.
FIFA’s bridge transfer ban
Article 5bis of FIFA’s regulations states:
- No club or player may be involved in a bridge transfer.
- If two consecutive transfers involving the same player, whether domestic or international, take place within a 16-week period, it will be presumed, unless proven otherwise, that the clubs and player involved participated in a bridge transfer.
- Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may impose sanctions on clubs and players found to have participated in a prohibited bridge transfer.
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