Real Madrid make final Nico Paz decision, leave him at Como until 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid have decided not to activate their €8m option to buy Nico Paz, even if they have until July 15, but can still get him for €9m in 2026.

The young talent was sold to Como last summer for €6m in a rather complicated deal, which gave them a series of options to bring him back to base.

That was set at €8m in 2025, €9m if activated in June 2026, and rising to €10m by the summer of 2027.

Como can keep Nico Paz – for now

SANTIAGO, CHILE – JUNE 5: Nico Paz of Argentina and Rodrigo Echeverría of Chile battles for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Chile and Argentina at Estadio Nacional de Chile on June 5, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)

The deadline to take these options is June 30, although FCInterNews point out that this year is different due to the Club World Cup and extra time given to clubs participating in the tournament.

With that in mind, Real Madrid can technically still exercise the option for €8m until July 15.

However, Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano and others note that as part of a gentleman’s agreement, Real Madrid have simply informed Como they will not bring Nico Paz back to base this year.

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

They had been tempted to recall the 20-year-old, but the investment for Francesco Mastantuono made them decide that was sufficient.

If Como do decide to sell Nico Paz before Real Madrid can activate their buy-back option, then they will hand over 50 per cent of the fee to the Spaniards.