Nico Paz Sparks Barcelona Speculation Amid Real Madrid Buy-Back Clause

Former Real Madrid talent Nico Paz, now at Como with 13 Serie A goal contributions, has hinted at a Barcelona move by naming Lamine Yamal as his dream teammate. Madrid can re-sign him for €9m due to a buy-back clause, but Barcelona must negotiate directly with Como, potentially at a higher cost.

When the summer transfer window approaches, Nico Paz’s name has surfaced amid speculation involving both Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 20-year-old Argentine attacker, who was born in Tenerife, left Madrid last summer for Serie A side Como after eight senior appearances. His new club saw instant returns, with Paz contributing 13 goals and assists in Como’s first top-flight campaign in 21 years.

Real Madrid retained a €9million (£7.7million) buy-back clause, making a return a strong possibility. Los Blancos could either reintegrate Paz or use the clause strategically, similar to how they handled Álvaro Morata in the past. Meanwhile, Barcelona interest has intensified following Paz’s public praise of Lamine Yamal. Despite his time at Madrid, Paz named Yamal—Barcelona’s young sensation, as his dream teammate, saying the winger is “one of the best in the world at his age.”

Although Paz plays internationally for Argentina, he shares a connection with Barca legend Lionel Messi, whom he assisted on debut—an experience he calls the best moment of his life. Whether Barcelona could afford him remains uncertain, especially since the €9m clause applies only to Madrid. If the Catalans bid, Como can demand a far higher fee, making Madrid’s move more likely.