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Como have been making an impressive push to retain Real Madrid loanee Nico Paz, with reports suggesting they are willing to offer Real Madrid somewhere between €15 million to €20 million.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Como lured Paz away from Los Blancos for €6 million in the summer transfer window, with Madrid inserting an €8 million buy-back clause in the deal – which increases to €9 million next summer and €10 million in 2027. Dani Benitez was particularly instrumental in convincing Paz to make the switch.
The highest transfer fee Como have offered was around the €15 million mark, but it seems they are willing to go beyond that to sign Paz permanently and persuade Real to relinquish their buy-back rights.
WHAT COMO’S CEO SAID
Como CEO Gordon Singer told reporters about Paz’s future: “Nico Paz has been with us for two or three years and showed his training today, at a very good level. So my preference, our preference, is that he stays with us, and I think that’s his preference too. But, obviously, Real Madrid, a club we are very fond of and respect, has done a great job with him, and they have a buy-back option on him. It may be that they exercise it, and for us, it’s something we have to live with. But obviously, as I have been open and say, our preference is that he stays with us.”
REAL MADRID’S REACTION
It is claimed that Real Madrid were aware of Inter’s interest last summer and were hoping the Nerazzurri would swoop in and sign Paz, leaving them with €5 million profit as they hold a 50% sell-on clause on the Spanish midfielder.
The report also stated that Real do not consider him to be a part of their long-term plans – which makes them likely to accept the deal Como offer. Furthermore, according to Relevo, Carlo Ancelotti does not view the 21-year-old midfielder as an acceptable replacement for Jude Bellingham.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid’s possible decision to cash in on Paz will appease not only Como but also Inter Milan, who still harbour an interest in the former Real academy graduate. Suning see Paz as a possible replacement for Nicolo Barella, who could leave San Siro in the summer transfer window.
WHAT NEXT?
When asked about his future, Paz stated: “I can’t think about that right now. I have a year and a half left on my contract and then we’ll see what happens between the president and Real Madrid. I will make the best decision for myself.”
