Real Madrid News
Real Madrid cannot execute €60 million Nico Paz strategy this summer – here’s why
Over the past few months, reports have suggested that Real Madrid were considering resigning Nico Paz for €10 million and then immediately placing him on the market for €60 million following his outstanding season in Serie A.
It appeared to be the perfect operation, as Real Madrid would regain control of one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders and potentially generate a huge profit in the same transfer window.
However, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz, the situation is not nearly as simple.
Real Madrid cannot immediately sell Nico
The latest update has effectively ruled out one of the scenarios that had been gaining momentum in recent days.
According to the journalist, Real Madrid cannot activate Nico Paz’s buy-back clause and then immediately sell him during the same summer transfer window.
The reason lies in transfer regulations.
The journalist reports that a period of 12 weeks must pass between the two operations, meaning that once Real Madrid officially bring the Argentine back, they would be unable to complete a permanent transfer until the winter market.
It is a significant detail because it directly impacts the club’s planning around one of their most valuable young assets.
For weeks, Real Madrid transfer rumours have linked the midfielder with clubs across the Premier League and Serie A, many of whom have been impressed by his development in Italy.
The expectation remains that Los Blancos will trigger the €10 million clause before registering a sizeable profit. However, what changes now is the timeline of any potential sale.
Mourinho faces difficult decision
Notably, the development also creates an interesting sporting dilemma for Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach is already overseeing a squad packed with midfield options, making it difficult to guarantee consistent playing time for the 21-year-old.
That reality is one reason why a permanent transfer has increasingly been viewed as the most likely outcome.
Nico enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Como and returns to Real Madrid as a far better player than the one who left Spain.
Yet finding regular minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu remains a challenge.
Real Madrid are actively pursuing another midfielder, with Enzo Fernandez still viewed as the club’s priority target.
If another major midfield signing arrives, competition for places will only become even stronger, which is why the possibility of a profitable sale continues to appeal to decision-makers inside Valdebebas.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
