Como 1907 and Real Madrid have reached an agreement to make Nico Páz’s stay in northern Italy permanent, resolving one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of the summer window. The deal caps a remarkable 18-month stretch in which the 21-year-old Argentine went from a relatively quiet departure out of Madrid’s academy pipeline to one of the most coveted attacking midfielders in European football.
Páz originally joined Como on August 25, 2024, for a fee of €6 million. The transfer included two mechanisms that kept Real Madrid firmly in control of the player’s future. First, the €9 million buy-back option exercisable by summer 2026. Second, a 50% sell-on clause entitling Madrid to half of any future transfer profit.
Páz racked up 70 appearances for Como, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most exciting young creators. His market value surged from €6 million to an estimated €80 million, a roughly 13x increase in under two years.
That left Como in an uncomfortable position. The club had invested in Páz’s development, built their attacking system around him, and watched him become their most valuable asset. But Real Madrid could, at any moment before the end of June 2026, trigger the buy-back clause and snatch him away for €9 million.
