Nico Paz to Man Utd: the Real Madrid clause complicating a move

Nico Paz is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, but Real Madrid’s buy-back option complicates any attempt to sign the Como playmaker.

The 22-year-old has been linked with United as Mauricio Pochettino prepares to take charge. Reports differ over whether a move could come in January or next summer, and no agreement has been announced.

One important detail is confirmed: Madrid retain an option to bring him back for the 2027–28 season.

Nico Paz to Man Utd: what has been reported?

The Sun reports that United are monitoring Paz ahead of a possible summer move. Their interest reportedly predates his performance in Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over them in October.

Paz scored twice that night, giving United a close look at the quality he has developed under Cesc Fabregas. Our Como 4-1 Manchester United report covers that game.

The Sun also credits him with six goals and eight assists in his first 14 appearances this season. Those numbers help explain the attention, but monitoring a player is some distance from negotiating a transfer. www.thesun.co.uk

What Real Madrid’s buy-back option means

The clearest information comes from Como’s official statement.

The club confirmed an agreement with Madrid and Paz for him to remain in Italy for 2026–27, at the player’s request. Madrid retained a unilateral buy-back option for the following season.

That matters because Paz’s future involves more than United persuading Como to sell. Madrid already have an agreed route to re-sign him.

The option is reportedly worth around €80m, although Como’s statement does not disclose a price or precise activation dates. It should not be confused with an asking price available to other clubs. comofootball.com

Nor does the public statement establish that a January transfer would allow United to bypass Madrid’s rights. That remains an assumption, rather than a confirmed route to a deal.

Where Bruno Fernandes fits into the story

United’s planning also comes against uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes’s future, as covered in our Fernandes contract update.

Paz operates in a creative role, making the comparison understandable. However, the reporting does not establish that United have chosen him as Fernandes’s replacement.

They have also been linked with Como team-mate Martin Baturina. Our Baturina transfer report explains that separate claim.

For now, interest in Paz remains a transfer story to follow rather than a deal taking shape. United’s intentions, Como’s willingness to negotiate and Madrid’s decision all need to become clearer.

Follow the latest developments on our Premier League hub.