No Real Madrid, no Inter, but Como – Nico Paz stays by the lake

After weeks of speculation over where Nico Paz would continue his career, we finally have an answer. He has no desire to leave, with life on the shores of Italy's most famous lake suiting him perfectly. And that's exactly where he will stay.

According to Fabrizio Romano, with Spanish newspapers Marca and AS confirming the story, the talented Argentine midfielder is set to extend his stay at Como after the Serie A club agreed to sign him permanently from Real Madrid for €60 million.

In other words, on Real Madrid's terms—as is usually the case when clubs do business with the 15-time European champions.

Como will retain their biggest star, but Real Madrid will continue to control his future. Fabrizio Romano reports that Los Blancos have secured a new buy-back clause worth €80 million, while Sky Italia claims the option will only be valid until next summer. The same report adds that Como will pay the transfer fee in installments over the next four years.

Once the deal is fully paid off, it will become the eighth-largest incoming transfer in Serie A history and the biggest since January 2022, when Dusan Vlahovic joined Juventus from Fiorentina in an €85.4 million move.

The breakthrough in negotiations came after Real Madrid activated their €9 million buy-back clause following Paz's outstanding season. However, the player's own wishes, Como's determination to keep him, and the excellent relationship between the two clubs ultimately led to an agreement that will allow the Argentine international to continue his development under Cesc Fabregas.

The decision reflects the player's own preference, as he believes Como is the ideal environment for the next stage of his career. Italian media even interpreted one of his recent Instagram posts—showing him wearing a Como cap—as a subtle hint about his intentions.

According to Marca, the move also makes perfect strategic sense for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants wanted to avoid bringing Paz back too soon, knowing that the fierce competition for places at the Santiago Bernabeu could slow his progress.

Instead, they are happy to let him continue working under Cesc Fabregas, who has proven to be the perfect mentor. The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder has given Paz complete freedom on the pitch, boosted his confidence, and helped turn him into one of Serie A's most influential young players.