Real Madrid Cancels Expected First Team Transfer This Summer

Real Madrid has decided against activating their buyback option for former academy player Nico Paz this summer, as reported by AS citing transfer expert Fabrizio Romano using anonymous sources. The club has formally communicated this decision to Como.

Madrid sold Paz to Como last summer for €6.3 million ($7.3 million), retaining 50% of his rights and securing buyback clauses for the next three seasons. The buyback prices are set at €8 million ($9.3 million) for 2025, €9 million ($10.5 million) for 2026, and €10 million ($11.6 million) for 2027. Paz joined Como after contributing to Real Madrid's 2024/2025 treble-winning season under Carlo Ancelotti, which included the Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup.

Before departing for the Brazil national team, Ancelotti praised Paz, calling him "very talented" and stating he was being closely followed, believing Paz could be "the future of Real Madrid." This had fueled speculation Paz might return via the "Carvajal route" after gaining experience. However, Romano confirmed Real Madrid will not trigger the €8 million clause this summer.

Como plans to retain Paz for the upcoming season. Consequently, Real Madrid retains the option to buy him back for €9 million next summer (2026). Meanwhile, Real Madrid is focusing on strengthening other areas, specifically targeting a central defender, left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, and reportedly seeking two midfielders in the medium term.