Man United and Chelsea Eye Nico Paz but Real Madrid's €80m Buyback Clause Could Decide the Race

Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring Como playmaker Nico Paz after his standout Serie A rise, according to TuttoMercatoWeb. The 22-year-old, who joined Como from Real Madrid in summer 2024, has posted four goals and five assists in his first 10 matches this season. Real Madrid hold an €80m buyback clause that could shape any deal.

  • Player: Nico Paz, 22, attacking midfielder/playmaker
  • Current club: Como (joined from Real Madrid, summer 2024)
  • Contract: Runs until 2028
  • Real Madrid clause: €80m buyback option
  • 2024-25 output: 13 goals, 8 assists in 40 appearances
  • 2025-26 output: 4 goals, 5 assists in first 10 matches
  • Reported interest: Manchester United and Chelsea monitoring

Deal details

United and Chelsea are both monitoring Paz, but no formal bid has been reported. Como are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Paz contracted until 2028 — a position that strengthens their hand if Premier League clubs test the waters.

The critical factor is Real Madrid's €80m buyback clause, which offers the Spanish giants a clear and time-sensitive route back into the conversation. That mechanism could shape the entire market around Paz, potentially leaving any Premier League suitor waiting on Madrid's decision.

The numbers

  • 40 appearances, 13 goals, 8 assists — Paz's output last season as Como secured fourth place and Champions League qualification
  • 10 matches, 4 goals, 5 assists — his fast start to the current campaign
  • €80m — Real Madrid's buyback clause
  • 2028 — expiry of Paz's Como contract
  • 2 goals, 1 assist — Paz's display against Manchester United in the Champions League

Why Nico Paz fits Manchester United's rebuild

United's season has drifted into uncomfortable territory. The 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como sharpened focus on where Michael Carrick's squad is falling short. An early concession set the tone before Como took full control, exposing a United side that has now lost five of 11 matches in all competitions, with only two wins to its name.

Those numbers matter because recruitment planning is already under scrutiny. United sit 13th in the Premier League after seven games, they are out of the EFL Cup, and the attacking unit has struggled for rhythm and authority. Bruno Fernandes' dip in output has intensified discussion around creative reinforcements.

Paz is 22, technically refined, productive in the final third and operating with growing authority. He has shown he can influence big games — the clearest test for any player being assessed by clubs at United's level. The question is less about talent and more about deal structure.

Why Real Madrid's clause changes everything

Real Madrid's €80m buyback clause offers them a clear and time-sensitive route back into the conversation. That mechanism could shape the entire market around Paz, because it gives Madrid control over a huge part of this story.

United could do the groundwork, sell the project and still find themselves waiting on Madrid's decision. That is never ideal. For United, this feels like a situation to watch closely rather than one nearing resolution. The player's trajectory is clear, the admiration appears credible, and the market conditions suggest movement next summer is possible. Whether Old Trafford becomes the destination may depend as much on United's progress on the pitch as their willingness to spend.

Talking points

  • Should United move for Paz now or risk waiting while Real Madrid's €80m buyback clause looms over any deal?
  • Is a 22-year-old with one strong Serie A season the right profile to solve United's creative crisis, or a gamble?
  • Chelsea's interest adds a London option — but would Paz choose Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford or a Madrid return?
  • Como's fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification show Paz can thrive in a structured side — does that translate to United's current chaos?

What happens next

United travel to face their next Premier League opponent with Carrick under pressure after five defeats in 11. Recruitment talks will continue behind the scenes, but no formal move for Paz is expected imminently. The summer window is the likely stage, with Real Madrid's clause the decisive factor.

Frequently asked questions

Are Manchester United signing Nico Paz?

No deal is done. United are monitoring Paz, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, but Real Madrid's €80m buyback clause could complicate any move.

How much is Nico Paz's Real Madrid buyback clause?

€80m. The clause gives Real Madrid a clear and time-sensitive route back into the conversation for Paz.

What are Nico Paz's stats this season?

Paz has four goals and five assists in his first 10 matches this season, after 13 goals and eight assists in 40 appearances last term.

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