Nico Paz, a 21‑year‑old attacking midfielder, currently plays for Serie A side Como 1907. Born in Argentina but raised in Spain, he came through Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy before moving to Italy in August 2024. A left‑footed playmaker, Paz has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his dribbling and vision, and he has already represented Argentina at senior level.
In June 2026, Real Madrid and Como renegotiated his transfer terms: Como paid €60 million to acquire full rights to Paz, eliminating previous buy‑back and sell‑on clauses. Madrid retained a new €80 million buy‑back option valid only in summer 2027. Paz will remain at Como for at least the 2026–27 season, a key priority for the club’s leadership.
With 13 goals and 8 assists in the 2024–25 Serie A campaign, Paz was named the league’s Best Under‑23 Player and later Best Midfielder. His market value is estimated between €50 million and €80 million, reflecting his rapid rise in Italian football.
Which Club Does Nico Paz Play For?
Who is Nico Paz?
Nicolás Paz Martínez (born 8 September 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Como and the Argentina national team.
Current Club
Como 1907 (Serie A) – Joined July 2024 from Real Madrid Castilla.
Nationality
Born in Spain, represents Argentina internationally. Dual citizenship.
Real Madrid Background
Came through Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy, played for Castilla from 2022 to 2024 before moving to Italy.
Key Insights
- Nico Paz is one of the few young talents who moved directly from Real Madrid Castilla to a top European league instead of La Liga.
- Despite being born in Spain, he chose to represent Argentina (the country of his father) and has already debuted for the senior team.
- His playing style (left‑footed, creative, attacking midfielder) has drawn frequent comparisons to Lionel Messi.
- Arsenal has been repeatedly linked with a move for Paz, but no deal has materialized as of 2025.
- Paz’s market value has risen sharply after his transfer to Como and senior Argentina call‑up.
- Real Madrid retains a structured buy‑back option that could bring him back to the Bernabéu in 2027.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nicolás Paz Martínez |
| Date of birth | 8 September 2004 |
| Age | 21 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Attacking midfielder / left winger |
| Current club | Como 1907 |
| Former club | Real Madrid Castilla |
| National team | Argentina |
| Market value | €15 million (Transfermarkt estimate, April 2025) |
Is Nico Paz Still a Real Madrid Player?
Nico Paz is no longer a Real Madrid player in a contractual sense. He left the club in August 2024 when he transferred to Como for an initial €6 million. However, Real Madrid maintained a strong interest in his development through buy‑back and sell‑on clauses in the original deal.
What Was Nico Paz’s Role at Real Madrid Castilla?
Paz spent two seasons with Real Madrid Castilla (2022–2024) in the Primera Federación, Spain’s third tier. He was considered one of the brightest prospects in the academy, known for his creativity and technical ability. He made his senior debut for Argentina’s U20 side during this period.
Why Did Nico Paz Leave Real Madrid?
Paz left to secure regular first‑team football. With limited opportunities in Carlo Ancelotti’s senior squad, a move to Como – a Serie A club with ambitious plans – offered a clearer path to minutes. The transfer was structured to allow Madrid to monitor his progress via buy‑back options.
In June 2026, Real Madrid chose not to activate the original €9 million buy‑back clause. Instead, they agreed to a new deal where Como paid €60 million for full ownership. The €9 million buy‑back and 50% sell‑on clause were eliminated. Madrid now holds an €80 million buy‑back option valid only in summer 2027.
Does Nico Paz Still Have a Buy‑Back Clause with Real Madrid?
Yes, but under new terms. As part of the June 2026 renegotiation, Real Madrid secured an €80 million buy‑back option, exercisable exclusively in summer 2027. If activated, Madrid would still profit €14 million after having invested a total of €66 million in Paz. The club is reportedly determined to bring him back that summer.
What is Nico Paz’s Nationality?
Nico Paz holds dual Argentine and Spanish nationality. He was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, to an Argentine father and Spanish mother. He grew up in Spain and joined Real Madrid’s youth system at age seven.
Does Nico Paz Play for Argentina or Spain?
At senior international level, Paz represents Argentina. He made his debut for the Albiceleste in November 2024 during a World Cup qualifier. Earlier, he had played for Spain at youth levels (U16 and U17), but switched allegiance to Argentina – the country of his father.
Has Nico Paz Represented Argentina at Senior Level?
Yes. He debuted for Argentina’s senior team in November 2024 and has since contributed to the national side, including scoring in the ongoing World Cup tournament. His performances for Como earned him the call‑up.
Paz is among a growing number of players who represent a different country at senior level than they did in youth internationals. His choice of Argentina aligns with his heritage and the potential for more playing time in a competitive squad.
Has Nico Paz Been Linked with a Transfer?
Yes. Nico Paz has been the subject of persistent transfer speculation, particularly involving Premier League clubs. Arsenal has been repeatedly mentioned, though no official bid or negotiation has been confirmed.
Is Nico Paz Linked with Arsenal?
Arsenal rumors have circulated, but sources remain unverified. According to a Facebook post referencing discussions, Arsenal interest is mentioned without confirmation of a concrete offer. No official statement from the club or player has emerged.
What is Nico Paz’s Current Market Value?
Transferfeed estimates his market value between €50 million and €80 million, with a likely figure of €65 million. This reflects his strong performances in Serie A and his international exposure. The €60 million paid by Como in June 2026 sets a benchmark.
Which Other Clubs Are Interested in Nico Paz?
Several major European clubs have been linked: Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea (reportedly offered €80 million), and Tottenham (€50–80 million range). Bayer Leverkusen expressed interest but declined to pursue. However, no transfers have materialized beyond the June 2026 deal with Como. Real Madrid remains the most likely destination if the €80 million buy‑back is activated in summer 2027. For a closer look at another young player linked with Premier League sides, read about Estevao Willian – Biography, Injury, and Chelsea News.
While Arsenal, Chelsea, and other clubs have been mentioned in media reports and fan discussions, none of these links have been verified by official sources. Transfer speculation should be treated as unconfirmed until formal announcements are made.
When Did Nico Paz Join Como?
- : Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
- : Joined Real Madrid’s youth academy (La Fábrica) at age 7; progressed through ranks.
- : Played for Real Madrid Castilla in Primera Federación; made senior debut for Argentina U20.
- : Transferred to Como for a reported fee of €6 million; Real Madrid retained a buy‑back clause.
- : Made senior debut for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier.
- : Became a regular starter for Como; named Serie A Best U23 Player.
- : Named Serie A Best Midfielder.
- : New €60 million deal with Como; Real Madrid retains €80 million buy‑back (summer 2027).
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Nico Paz?
While many facts about Paz are well‑established, some details remain uncertain or subjective.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Nico Paz was born on 8 September 2004 in Tenerife, Spain. | The exact transfer fee and buy‑back clause details are not publicly confirmed (only reported by media). |
| He plays as an attacking midfielder for Como and is left‑footed. | Arsenal transfer rumors: no official bid or negotiation confirmed. |
| He came through Real Madrid’s academy and played for Castilla. | Comparisons to Messi are subjective and based on style only, not career achievements. |
| He represents Argentina internationally. | His long‑term role at Como (starter vs. rotation) is still evolving. |
| He transferred from Real Madrid Castilla to Como in July 2024. | Whether Real Madrid will activate the €80 million buy‑back in 2027 is uncertain. |
Analysis & Context
Nico Paz represents a modern football phenomenon: a dual‑nationality talent leaving a top academy for a smaller club to gain playing time. His move to Como – a newly ambitious Serie A side – mirrors that of other young Real Madrid graduates who needed first‑team football. The Messi comparison, while flattering, creates high expectations; Paz’s dribbling and vision are reminiscent but he is still developing. His Argentina debut underlines his potential. The Arsenal rumors speak to the market’s interest, but Como’s project and the buy‑back clause may influence any future transfer.
The June 2026 renegotiation effectively made Como the full owner of Paz for a substantial fee, while keeping a future door open for Real Madrid. This structure benefits all parties: Como secures a star asset, Paz gets stability, and Madrid retains an opportunity to bring him back if he continues to develop.
What Do the Sources Say?
Information about Nico Paz comes from a variety of official and news sources. Below are key statements from credible outlets.
“Nicolás Paz Martínez, a midfielder with great quality and vision, has been part of our academy since childhood.”
– Real Madrid official site
“Nicolás Paz Martínez is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Serie A club Como and the Argentina national team.”
– Wikipedia
“Date of birth/Age: 08/09/2004 (21) – Citizenship: Argentina – Position: Attacking midfield – Agent: DCGLOBALSL verified.”
– Transfermarkt
For further reading, see the Wikipedia profile, Transfermarkt data, ESPN player page, Fotmob stats, and the Real Madrid official page (Castilla).
What’s Next for Nico Paz?
Paz is set to remain at Como for the 2026–27 season, continuing his development in Serie A. He may earn further senior caps for Argentina, potentially featuring in the 2025 Copa América. If Real Madrid activates the €80 million buy‑back in summer 2027, he could return to the Bernabéu. Premier League interest, particularly from Arsenal, could also intensify if he maintains his current form. For more football player profiles, read about Brennan Johnson – Stats, Transfer Fee & Crystal Palace Career and Estevao Willian – Biography, Injury, and Chelsea News.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Nico Paz?
Nico Paz is 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall.
What is Nico Paz’s full name?
His full name is Nicolás Paz Martínez.
Does Nico Paz have a buyback clause?
Yes, reports indicate Real Madrid retained a buyback clause when he transferred to Como, later renegotiated to an €80 million option in summer 2027.
Has Nico Paz played for Spain?
He played for Spain at youth levels (U16, U17) but now represents Argentina at senior level.
What number does Nico Paz wear for Como?
He wears the number 7 jersey for Como.
Is Nico Paz related to Pablo Paz?
No. His father was a former basketball player, but no relation to the Argentine footballer Pablo Paz.
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Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering Westminster, policy and government affairs.