Real Madrid satisfied with decision to sell 21-year-old academy graduate for €60 million | OneFootball

Real Madrid had a major decision to make regarding Como attacking starlet Nico Paz during this summer transfer window.

Los Blancos had a buy-back clause that was an absolute bargain compared to his current market value, and they needed to address his future.

Real Madrid chose to buy him from Como by triggering the clause, only to sell him straight back to the Italian side for a much higher fee of €60 million.

According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Madrid are satisfied with the way they have handled Nico Paz’s situation, with the club choosing patience instead of forcing an immediate return.

The club believe the operation makes sense because Nico’s fit in the current squad would have been complicated by the number of players already in his position.

Nico is highly rated, but Real Madrid are already dealing with an overloaded squad. Bringing him back now without a clear pathway would have created more noise than value.

Como give him the minutes he needs

Real Madrid satisfied with Nico Paz deal. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The report also says Nico wanted a third season at Como. That should not be seen as a lack of ambition.

It is the opposite: he understands that playing regularly is the best way to arrive at Madrid stronger.

Nico does not need to rush the process simply because his name is being discussed. He needs minutes, responsibility and continuity.

Como can offer him that. They can also offer him exposure to Champions League football following their qualification for next season.

That is why the decision feels logical. The club secure a capital gain now, keep the operation financially useful and still preserve the chance to buy him back if his development continues.

2027 could be the right moment

Real Madrid can re-sign Nico next year. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Madrid are not closing the door on Nico. They are keeping it open for a future return, potentially in 2027, when the squad picture may be much clearer.

By then, Nico could be a more complete player. Madrid may also have made decisions on other attackers and midfielders, creating the kind of space that does not exist today.

That is smart squad planning. Not every academy talent has to return at the first possible moment. Sometimes the best decision is to let the player grow elsewhere while protecting the route back.

If he continues to excel at Como, the buy-back option gives Real Madrid a strong position in an increasingly inflated market.

Even if he never comes back to Madrid, Paz has already earned Los Blancos a huge windfall in transfer fees, and there is no doubt that he will continue to shine elsewhere over the course of his career.