Real Madrid to Trigger €8M Buyback for Rising Star Nico Paz: A Masterstroke by Alonso

In a move that could shape the next era of midfield dominance at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid has decided to exercise the €8 million buyback clause for 20-year-old Argentine sensation Nico Paz. Currently playing for Serie A side Como, the young attacking midfielder has just completed a breakout campaign under the stewardship of former Spain international Cesc Fàbregas, earning Italy's U23 Player of the Year honors.

According to Spanish radio network Cadena COPE, the decision to bring Nico Paz back to Madrid was made in conjunction with new manager Xabi Alonso, who sees the versatile midfielder as a crucial asset in his squad heading into the FIFA Club World Cup starting June 14. Alonso is known for his midfield intelligence, and his endorsement of Paz only elevates the young Argentine’s status as a central figure in Real Madrid’s future plans.

A Strategic Loan Turned Into a Masterclass in Development

Nico Paz, a product of Real Madrid's famed La Fábrica academy, was sold to Como last summer for €6 million in what was widely viewed as a developmental move. The deal, however, included a crucial buyback clause that allows Los Blancos to re-sign him for just €8 million in 2025, €9 million in 2026, or €10 million in 2027. In addition, Real Madrid holds a 50% sell-on clause if Paz is transferred elsewhere—a signal of how highly they rate his potential.

This past season, Paz blossomed under Fàbregas. With 6 goals and 9 assists in 35 Serie A appearances, he quickly became the creative heartbeat of Como’s attack. Standing at 1.86 meters, the Argentine offers a rare blend of physical presence, technical elegance, and tactical flexibility. His performances didn’t just earn individual accolades—they sent his market value soaring from €10 million last year to a staggering €35 million today, according to Transfermarkt.

Simply put, Real Madrid turned a €6 million sale into a €35 million asset for the cost of an additional €2 million. That’s not just smart business—it’s elite-level squad planning.

Xabi Alonso's Vision and the Modrić Succession Plan

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager has injected fresh tactical ideas and a focus on continuity with the club’s youth development tradition. The inclusion of Nico Paz in his plans is both a short-term reinforcement and a long-term investment.

With Luka Modrić set to depart this summer after a legendary tenure at the Bernabéu, the midfield is in transition. Toni Kroos remains the cerebral controller, Jude Bellingham brings power and flair, Eduardo Camavinga offers dynamism, and Aurélien Tchouaméni provides a defensive shield. But the squad lacks a true heir to Modrić’s unique combination of creativity, control, and spatial intelligence.

That’s where Nico Paz fits in perfectly. Alonso sees him as more than just a rotational piece; he’s a future conductor of the Madrid midfield. Capable of playing as a No. 10, a central midfielder, or even as a false nine, Paz offers flexibility in Alonso’s fluid 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations. He can spell Bellingham when necessary or form a double playmaker system with the Englishman in matches requiring extra ingenuity.

Some within the club even see a path where Paz transitions into a deeper-lying playmaker over time, much like Modrić did in the latter stages of his career. That possibility only makes this €8 million return look even more like daylight robbery.

Como’s Resistance and Real Madrid’s Resolve

Como, for their part, made it no secret that they wanted to retain Nico Paz permanently. Fàbregas himself reportedly told the media, “If Madrid doesn’t trigger the buyback, we wouldn’t sell Nico even for €50 million.” The Italian side even approached Real Madrid to discuss removing the clause, but their request was promptly rejected. Florentino Pérez and the Madrid board were adamant: Paz was always meant to return.

Como had hoped to build their Serie A resurgence around Paz. His ability to dictate tempo, play between the lines, and deliver incisive final passes made him a cornerstone of Fàbregas’ tactical setup. Losing him is a major blow—but it’s a testament to the foresight of Madrid’s recruitment strategy.

The Timing: Club World Cup and Beyond

The timing of Paz’s return couldn’t be more ideal. With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup just weeks away, Real Madrid will be rotating heavily to manage workload and integrate new players. Paz is expected to be included in the traveling squad, giving him immediate exposure to the senior team environment and a chance to impress on a global stage.

The tournament, which pits the world’s top clubs against each other, will serve as both a proving ground and a high-stakes welcome party for the returning academy graduate. A strong showing there could catapult Paz into regular minutes next season, especially with Madrid facing a congested fixture list due to domestic and European obligations.

Commentary

The return of Nico Paz is more than just a buyback—it's a statement. In an era where top clubs routinely shell out €60 million or more for unproven potential, Real Madrid just reacquired a Serie A standout for less than the price of a promising teenager from Brazil's second division. That’s not luck; that’s infrastructure.

What’s even more impressive is how this move aligns with the club’s evolving philosophy under Xabi Alonso. Rather than panic-buy replacements for departing legends, Madrid is building organically—developing talent, managing contracts wisely, and strategically loaning out players to gain real-world experience. In Paz, they have someone who embodies that vision.

With Jude Bellingham already a star, Camavinga and Tchouaméni developing into elite midfielders, and Paz now added back into the mix, Real Madrid's engine room is future-proofed. If the past decade was about Kroos and Modrić, the next may well belong to Bellingham and Paz. The torch is being passed—and it’s glowing with promise.