Nico Paz has emerged as one of Serie A’s standout performers this season, which has naturally increased speculation about a return to Real Madrid. After spending eight years in Madrid’s academy system, the midfielder remains highly regarded by the Spanish club, and his long-term future still appears closely connected to the Bernabeu.
Interest from other teams has surfaced before, including Tottenham last summer, but reports around those possibilities quickly faded. The expectation remains that if Paz leaves Como in the near future, Madrid will be his destination.
Recent reports have also linked Jose Mourinho with a desire to include Paz in his plans during a second spell in charge of Real Madrid. Thanks to a buyback clause, the Spanish giants could re-sign the player for only €9m, a figure that looks extremely low considering the season he has just produced in Italy.
Even so, rushing to activate that option may not be the smartest decision for Madrid at this stage.
Delaying the move could benefit everyone
One of the strongest arguments for patience is the structure of the buyback agreement itself. If Madrid chooses not to bring Paz back this summer, they would still retain the right to sign him next year for only €10m. That difference of just €1m significantly reduces the pressure to make an immediate decision.
Reports in Italy suggest Paz himself would welcome another season with Como after being named Serie A’s Best Midfielder. Remaining there would allow him to continue playing a central role rather than risking limited opportunities in Madrid among a squad filled with established stars.
Another season in Italy could also help him mature further as a footballer. At only 21 years old, regular involvement across domestic and European competitions may prove more valuable than an early return to a highly competitive Madrid squad.
For a player still developing, continuity and responsibility could be more important than making a quick step back to one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Champions League football could answer remaining questions
Como’s qualification for the Champions League next season presents another major advantage for Paz. While he scored 12 league goals during the campaign, only three came against clubs that also secured European qualification.
That statistic has created some lingering doubts in Italy about how consistently he can influence matches against stronger opposition. Competing in the Champions League would give him the opportunity to test himself at a much higher level on a regular basis.
Paz already has limited experience in European competition after making three appearances for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 campaign, even managing to score once. Returning to that stage with Como would offer another chance to demonstrate he can perform under greater pressure.
If he eventually wants to establish himself in Madrid, proving his quality in the biggest matches will be essential.
Patience could protect madrid from a costly mistake
Real Madrid are expected to make important changes after a season without trophies, but Paz’s situation may require a more careful approach. Bringing him back immediately could expose him to fierce competition for minutes and potentially slow his development.
Allowing him to spend one more year as a key figure at Como may reduce the risk of his talent being wasted too early inside an overcrowded squad. With consistent football in three competitions, he would likely continue building confidence and experience.
Financially, waiting would not damage Madrid either. If Paz maintains the same rate of progress, his market value could increase far beyond the additional €1m Madrid would need to pay next summer.
For that reason, delaying the move may ultimately become the safer and smarter option for both the club and the player.