Nico Paz’s name has been closely linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, but his future now seems increasingly unlikely to be with the Whites, who will make their final decision after the Club World Cup. Right now, with six days to go before the first game, the priority is clear and all efforts are focused on winning the title in the first major challenge of the Xabi Alonso era.
Impossible for the World Cup
There was much speculation about Nico Paz’s arrival at Real Madrid for the Club World Cup as a reinforcement for the team, which would then make a decision. However, as Siro López points out, Real Madrid’s buy-back option was not activated until July 1, so it would have been impossible for him to join the team for the tournament that begins this Saturday.
The player has had a great season at Cesc Fábregas’ Italian side Como, where he arrived from Real Madrid, who retained a buy-back option valued at $8 million this summer, $9 million in 2025 and $10 million in 2026. However, as we have said, this cannot be exercised until after June 30, the official end of the season.
Mastantuono’s arrival changes everything
His departure from Real Madrid to the Italian side, where he has been a key player, was the best decision for the player, who has excelled throughout the season, finishing with six goals and nine assists. His performance speaks for itself, but there are several reasons why he is leaving Real Madrid.
The first is Real Madrid’s decision to give everything to seal the signing of his young compatriot Franco Mastantuono, who has a very similar profile to the Como midfielder, meaning that Real Madrid would rule out his signing as they already have Arda Güler in their squad.
Precisely the overbooking of the same profile of young midfielder with similar characteristics would also keep him away from Real Madrid, as Nico Paz has made it clear that he wants to continue being a key player, as he was under Cesc Fábregas. At present, the Whites cannot guarantee him the playing time he is looking for, so although the final decision will be made after the Club World Cup, everything points to the player not wearing the white shirt.
Nico Paz and his options for the future
What cannot be ruled out is that the purchase option could be exercised, but then he would be sold to another team. Nico Paz’s options are for everything to continue as it has been until now, that is, with the Argentine playing for Como in Italy without any movement whatsoever.
There is another option that has been suggested in Germany. The newspaper Bild claims that Bayer Leverkusen wants him as a replacement for Florian Wirtz and would be willing to pay up to $30 million for the player, an option that would attract the attention of Real Madrid, who could consider exercising the buy-back option and selling the player themselves to get the highest possible return.
On the other hand, according to CaughtOffside, Manchester United would be delighted to have him. The English side is going through a change of cycle after a poor season and is looking to rejuvenate the squad with players who have clear potential and can grow at Old Trafford.