Real Madrid will decide next week whether to sign midfielder | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already wrapped up four summer signings, but the club’s sporting department are not done yet. There are plans for a new centre, central midfielder and winger to join before the end of August, while a decision must also be made regarding whether Nico Paz will be re-signed now.

For months, it has been taken for granted that Paz will return to Real Madrid this summer, two months after he left. He’s enjoyed two fantastic seasons at Como, but he’s always been tipped to head back to the Spanish capital, given that Los Blancos have three separate buy-back clauses that span from 2025 to 2027.

2026’s clause is worth €9m, which is a bargain considering his market value nowadays. Taking this into account, it would make sense for Real Madrid to sign him now, but in recent weeks, it’s been noted that Paz is more likely to remain at Como for one more season, given that he does not feature prominently in the plans of new head coach Jose Mourinho.

Paz has reservations about his place in Mourinho’s squad, which is why he would prefer to stay at Como until 2027. However, a final decision will be made next week when Real Madrid hold talks with the Serie A club, as per Fabrizio Romano (via MD).

What should Real Madrid and Paz do?

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There is no doubt that Paz would be a fantastic addition to Mourinho’s squad, given the player he has become since leaving in 2024. However, it would be unwise to return now if there is no clear way for him to secure a starting role – which is what happened with 2025 signing and fellow Argentine star Franco Mastantuono, whose immediate future at the Bernabeu looks unclear.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Paz, but it would likely benefit all parties if he stayed at Como for one more season before returning to Real Madrid next summer.