Last summer, Tottenham were prepared to spend €70 million (£60.7m) to sign Nico Paz, but the move ultimately failed after Real Madrid intervened. Multiple reports claimed the Spanish giants assured the Argentine midfielder they intended to trigger their buy-back clause in 2026, making it clear he remained part of their long-term plans at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In recent days, however, speculation suggested Tottenham had been handed fresh hope following Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid. Reports claimed Mourinho did not see the 21-year-old as a suitable fit for his tactical system, prompting Madrid to consider activating their buy-back clause before selling Paz for a profit.
That possibility has now been ruled out. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Como and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for Paz to remain with the Serie A side on a permanent basis. The midfielder was keen to continue his development at Como, while Madrid have ensured they retain significant control over his future by keeping a buy-back clause in the deal.
Romano posted on X: “Como agree deal with Real Madrid to buy Nico Paz on permanent move, here we go! Agreement reached as Como will re-buy Nico Paz from Real Madrid. Nico wanted to stay at Como. Real Madrid will keep control on Nico and maintain buy-back clause.”
Despite missing out on Paz, Tottenham are not short of creative midfield options. James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski all provide quality in the number 10 role. However, Simons is not expected back until the end of 2026, while Kulusevski has spent more than a year on the sidelines with injury.
With Lucas Bergvall also expected to leave this summer, Roberto De Zerbi could still look to strengthen his attacking midfield options. Even so, signing another playmaker is unlikely to be at the top of Tottenham’s transfer priorities.
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