Nico Paz’s father opens up on transfer saga: ‘Real Madrid wanted him, but he wanted to stay at Como’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid were all set to welcome Nico Paz back to the club as a first-team player this summer, possibly even with a starting role.

The managerial change and Jose Mourinho’s demand for a new midfield signing, however, saw the deal all fall apart as the Argentine star wanted a prominent role and not a bench-warming presence.

Real Madrid, thus, used the opportunity to buy the player back from Como and place him on the market to make a handy profit, and the Italian side themselves returned to the party with a €60 million fee to sign the player back.

Real Madrid, for their part, have maintained a €80 million buy-back clause for next summer.

Paz’s father speaks on the transfer

While the deal is yet to be officially announced, Nico Paz’s father Pablo Paz confirmed the same in a recent interview (h/t RM4Arab) and was asked about the factors that ultimately decided the deal.

Nico Paz will continue at Como. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

As is common knowledge at this point, the player’s father clarified that his son was only interested in playing for Como and that he dreamed of reaching the UEFA Champions League with the club.

“Nico Paz really wanted to continue playing with Como, it wasn’t easy because Real Madrid also wanted him 100%, but he wanted to stay at Como and play in the Champions League.”

He was then quizzed on whether a potential return to Real Madrid was still on the cards for his son after the big-money move to Como.

“Nico might return to Madrid again through a buy-back clause, but I have to say that I’m extremely happy. He cares deeply about this club, and he feels a great love and overwhelming happiness in staying at Como,” he said.

Real Madrid have a buyback clause for Nico in 2027. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Elaborating on what made his son comfortable in the Italian side, he said,

“This stems from the surrounding atmosphere, the team, and the coach leading it, in addition to the club’s project and the city itself. He feels completely like he’s part of Como and he’s happy, and this is the best choice for Nico,” he concluded.

Still in Real Madrid’s plans

Jose Mourinho has indeed had a massive say in cancelling Paz’s return to Real Madrid’s dynamics this summer, but there is still a sentiment in the club that the player is poised for a return.

The youngster, after all, has blossomed into a special player under Cesc Fabregas’ command and there is no reason to believe that he will not get any better.

Real Madrid, thus, are said to still have Paz on their wish-list for 2027 and are interested in using their €80 million buy-back clause. After all, his technical quality and impact are simply undeniable.