Mourinho faces decision on Paz as player seeks Como extension
The deadline to activate the clause is June 30, with the final authority resting with the Spanish club’s manager amid fierce first-team competition.
Real Madrid’s anticipated recall of Argentine midfielder Nico Paz has encountered a significant hurdle, with the player expressing a clear preference to remain at Como for another season. Despite the Spanish giants holding a €9 million buy-back option and maintaining close contact with the athlete, the decision to activate the clause by the June 30 deadline now rests with manager Jose Mourinho.
According to reporting by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Madrid Xtra, Paz believes that remaining in Italy under manager Cesc Fabregas offers the most viable pathway for his professional development. While the midfielder acknowledges his long-term future lies at the Santiago Bernabeu, he argues that consistent first-team football in Serie A would accelerate his growth more effectively than facing immediate competition for places in Madrid.
The situation marks a shift from earlier summer narratives, where Paz’s return appeared almost inevitable. Real Madrid have repeatedly expressed their desire to integrate the player into their first-team environment. However, the reality of the current squad dynamics has influenced Paz’s thinking, with the Argentine concerned about the limited opportunities available in a squad already characterised by fierce competition for positions.
Paz is understood to view a further campaign at Como as a strategic move to secure the regular playing time often crucial for young players at this stage of their careers. At Como, he would likely remain a key figure, whereas a return to Madrid would require him to compete for minutes against an established group, with further arrivals possible this summer.
Mourinho now faces the task of balancing the club’s institutional needs against the player’s career aspirations. The manager must determine whether to integrate Paz immediately into the first-team project or allow him to continue developing elsewhere under favourable terms. Regardless of the outcome, Real Madrid retain a strong negotiating position due to the favourable structure of the buy-back agreement.
