Como's 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United in the Champions League was a historic night for the revitalised Italian club. But it was also a night that put Nico Paz's name on everyone's lips.

The Argentinian prospect, one of the best young players in world football, delivered a man-of-the-match performance, orchestrating the demolition of the three-time European champions. With two goals and an assist, it was a display that transformed Paz from a prospect to a big-game player. And with Lionel Messi departing the international stage, the no. 10 may have just made himself the heir apparent to the role in the national setup as well.

But with a headline-grabbing performance that would've no doubt caught the attention of his former club, Real Madrid, is there now a renewed interest in bringing the Argentinian back to the Bernabeu?

GIVEMESPORT provides all the details on Nico Paz's Real Madrid buyback clause and how that transfer could potentially unfold.

Nico Paz: Real Madrid Buyback Clause Explained

Despite making a number of first team appearances for Los Blancos during the 2023/24 season, Paz was moved on in the summer of 2024. He found a new home in Serie A with the upcoming Como. For just €6 million, the Argentinian prospect was a steal and has been a hit in Italy.

Paz was a standout for the Italian side during the 2025/26 season, netting 13 times on the way to being named Serie A's Best Midfielder. His performances unsurprisingly led to chatter about a return to the Bernabeu. The Spanish giants' buyback clause of a reported €9 million seemed worth a gamble, but Madrid instead opted to negotiate a new €60 million agreement to retain Paz’s rights, extending his stay with Como until 2028.

The new agreement sets a new buyout clause of €80 million which only Madrid can trigger. However, they will have to be decisive if they are to give Paz his homecoming. The clause is reportedly active only in the summer of 2027.

There's also the question of whether Paz can force his way into the starting 11. The Argentinian thrives in the no. 10 role for Como, but as things stand in that position, Madrid are blessed with talent in abundance. Jude Bellingham continues to be one of the team's key players and with plenty of peak years ahead of him. But there's also Arda Guler to consider. The Turkish prodigy's influence appears to be growing from week to week.

With the ambition that Madrid carry into every fresh campaign, they will expect to compete on every front. And with that determination in mind, the need for quality in depth makes the argument for bringing Paz back into the fold in 2027.

A History-Making Night for Nico Paz

It only took Paz two minutes to get himself on the scoresheet against United, and in doing so put himself into rarefied air. At 22 years old and 43 days old, Paz became the second-youngest South American to strike against Manchester United in the European Cup/Champions League — surpassed only by a then-21-year-old Lionel Messi's goal in the 2009 Champions League final.

After being named UEFA's Player of the Match, Paz shared his elation with TNT Sports: "It's one of the most special nights of my life and my career, for me and for the club. It was an historic night because we played against one of the best clubs ever and to do this at home is incredible. We're very happy with our performance."