Real Madrid activates 9 million buyback for Nico Páz

Real Madrid is set to formally activate a contractual buyback clause to regain midfielder Nico Páz from Italian club Como, a procedural move that will return the 21-year-old Argentine to the Bernabéu. The club is preparing to notify Como of its intent to trigger the clause, valued at 9 million euros, ahead of a contractual deadline of May 30.

The clause was embedded in the original agreement when Madrid sold Páz to Como for approximately 6 million euros in 2024. It is part of a tiered structure that gave Madrid the unilateral right to reacquire the player for 8 million euros last summer, 9 million this summer, or 10 million in 2027. The Spanish club opted against the cheaper option last year, allowing Páz a second season of development in Serie A. The 9 million fee is considered significantly below the player's current market valuation.

This mechanism requires no negotiation or consent from Como, and reports indicate the Italian club has already been notified of Madrid's decision. While Páz had reportedly expressed a preference to extend his stay at Como, the clause grants Madrid full control over his immediate future. The original sale agreement also stipulated that Madrid...