Real Madrid faces pressure as Inter and Tottenham move on emerging Serie A talent

Growing interest from top clubs accelerates internal debates about the buyback timeline
Real Madrid CF v Al Hilal: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Real Madrid CF v Al Hilal: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Dan Mullan/GettyImages

Nico Paz is in a moment that no longer allows Real Madrid to treat him like a long-term project. The Spanish-Argentine midfielder, shaped over eight seasons in Valdebebas, has turned heads again in Italy and turned his spell at Como into a strong argument for the Spanish club to reopen the door for his return next summer. The strategy of developing young players away from home is still working, but Nico’s situation shows the process has reached a point where Real has to decide whether it wants to bring him back now or keep watching his growth from a distance.

His season at Como reinforces that evolution

Nico Paz’s second year at Como started at full speed. He already has four goals and four assists before the first third of Serie A, numbers that could easily surpass the six goals and eight assists he recorded last season. His steady performances brought maturity and pushed him into the group of standout players on the team.

Nico Paz
Como 1907 v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A | Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

That progress, combined with the visibility of the Italian league, increased interest from other clubs. Three weeks ago, reports from Argentina said Inter Milan was willing to offer 58 million euros for him, while Tottenham made inquiries, according to As.

This movement heats up the market and puts extra pressure on Real Madrid, which is monitoring everything closely. The possibility of other clubs trying to move ahead before next summer forces Real to look more carefully at the timing. Nico left while still young, but his rise has put him back on the radar with enough strength to influence the club’s internal plans.

The buyback clauses keep Real in control

When Real Madrid decided to sell Nico Paz to Como for six million euros, the club kept 50 percent of his rights and set up a series of buyback options valid for three summers. The fee would have been eight million last year, nine million next summer and 10 million until 2027.

The model is designed to keep young players within reach for a future return while also generating potential revenue. Still, that safety net doesn’t eliminate the need for a decision. The more Nico shines in Italy, the more Real Madrid has to think about the risk of waiting too long. With other clubs tracking him and his market value rising, there’s a real chance of losing leverage in a scenario that, for now, remains favorable.

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