With the transfer window set to close in a week – September 1, Como FC has turned down a bid by English side Tottenham for Argentine midfielder Nico Paz. It is believed that Spanish giants Real Madrid had a major role to play in the rejection of the offer as the youngster is expected to join the Spanish side in 2026.
The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has had the most goal contributions since joining Italian side is keen on staying at Como. The rejection of the bid by Spurs was also an upshot from the thrilling time the youngster is having at Como coupled with the fact that he is consistently getting playing time at Como, desires to feature in the World Cup next summer, and envisions a future with Real Madrid in 2026.
Why Nico won’t be leaving Como for Spurs
A lot of speculations surrounds the straightforward decision by the small Serie A team who have never had a sale over £10m in their history to pass such a lucrative offer with an Estimated Transfer Value of almost £45m. One fact stands out though, Los Blancos decided to sell the youngster to Como last summer for just £6m. However, they installed three vital clauses in his contract which avails them the opportunity to retain control over the player’s future according to Fabrizio Romano:
• buy back clauses valid in 2025 and 2026
• a 50% sell-on fee
• matching rights
The third clause would have given Real Madrid the opportunity to match Spurs’ £70m bid if it has been accepted, but Los Blancos could not have been able to afford to do so this summer.
So Real rather had Como hold off sale in a bid to acquire Paz back to Bernabeu in 2026 for 10m – the value of the buy-back clause next summer.
The 50% sell-on fee also played a critical role as Como would have earned £35m from selling Paz to Spurs but Romano revealed that Real Madrid was going to compensate them. The exact details of this compensation is unclear but they are likely to receive preferential treatment when other young talents like Paz are on the market from Madrid.
What the future holds for Paz
Evidence suggests that the young playmaker will stay with Romano’s side for another year and will be a huge asset for them as they aim to beat last season’s 10th place finish. Paz will be expected to join Real Madrid as they have put an iron grip on the player who is theirs in all but name. Next season, he will be welcomed back into Real Madrid’s star-studded ranks and will likely turn out to be the star he seems to be.
