‘Unilateral option’ – Real Madrid shares special deal after FIFA rule stopped transfer plan
Real Madrid has shared how they found a way around a FIFA rule that stopped them from re-signing a player and then selling him right away. The club posted an official statement explaining the situation.
Since Jose Mourinho returned as coach, Real Madrid has been busy in the transfer market, signing players like Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries.
They also planned to bring back Nico Paz, a talented attacking midfielder who left for Como in 2024. Paz had a fantastic season with Cesc Fabregas’ team, scoring 13 goals in 40 games and helping Como qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
Many reports said Real Madrid wanted to use their buy-back option to sign Paz again for €9 million. But instead of keeping him, they wanted to sell him quickly to Como or another club for about €60 million.
The problem was FIFA’s rule against “bridge transfers,” which means a player can’t be transferred twice in a row within 16 weeks. Because of this, Paz wouldn’t have been able to move until January.
To solve this, Real Madrid made a new deal. On Monday, they announced that Paz will stay at Como for the 2026-2027 season and help them in the Champions League. But Real also kept the option to re-sign him before the 2027-2028 season.
Real Madrid said on their website: “Real Madrid CF, Como 1907, and Nico Paz have reached an agreement for the player to stay at the Italian club for the 2026-2027 season. This was done at the player’s request. Real Madrid also keeps a one-sided option to buy back Nico Paz for the 2027-2028 season.”
They haven’t shared the exact price for this future buy-back option.
Nico Paz, 21, is currently playing in his first World Cup with Argentina. He posted on Instagram, saying it was his choice to stay at Como because it’s “the best option” for him right now.
He wrote, “After thinking a lot, I’ve decided that staying at Como for another year is the best choice for my career. This club helped me grow and become the player I am today. I believe this is the best decision for both me and Real Madrid, as it allows me to keep improving and get ready for the future.”
Paz only played eight times for Real Madrid’s first team after joining from CD Tenerife and was sold to Como for €6 million. His contract runs until 2028. So far, he’s made 75 appearances for Como, scoring 19 goals and making 17 assists.
He’s also played 11 times for Argentina and started in their recent 3-1 win over Jordan.