Real Madrid will not re-sign former academy gem this summer – here’s why

Real Madrid will not re-sign former academy gem this summer – here’s why Real Madrid are on a roll in the transfer market, having recently announced their first big signing of the summer in the form of Marc Cucurella. The club have also finalised deals to sign Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, as part of the summer overhaul. Real Madrid’s unofficial fifth signing was going to be Nico Paz, who has emerged as a rising star at Como, with Los Blancos holding a €9 million buyback clause that can be activated this summer. Nico Paz not returning to Real Madrid Paz will remain at Como, for now. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) However, it appears Nico Paz’s return to Real Madrid this summer has been ruled out, reports ESPN (h/t Madrid Zone ). This is a significant development considering that it was taken for granted that the Argentine would return to the Bernabeu following an exceptional spell at Como. Since joining the Italian club in 2024, Paz has 19 goals and 17 assists in 75 competitive matches, flourishing under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas. His top performances in Serie A even earned him a place in the Argentina squad for the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup, even ahead of Real Madrid’s own Franco Mastantuono. However, as things stand, Paz won’t be returning to Real Madrid and will spend at least another season at Como. Why is Paz not returning? The report explains that Paz’s return has been called off as Jose Mourinho is unable to promise him regular game time. Mourinho couldn’t guarantee Paz regular game-time. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) This is hardly surprising as Real Madrid do have a stacked creative midfield department, with the likes of Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Mastantuono, Rodrygo, and now Bernardo Silva vying for places. This would make it very difficult for Paz to gain regular game-time and he may end up facing the same fate as his countryman Mastantuono. Real Madrid, therefore, have decided not to trigger the buyback clause for Paz and allow him to continue his progress at Como, which is a big boost for the Italian club expected to compete in the Champions League next season. It is not all over for Paz and Real Madrid, though, as the club’s buyback clause can be activated next summer as well. The only caveat is that instead of €9 million, Real Madrid would have to pay €10 million for his services.