'Unilateral option' - Real Madrid confirm unique agreement after FIFA rule blocked transfer plan

Real Madrid have revealed how they can get around a FIFA rule which prevented them from re-signing a player and immediately selling him after posting an official statement.

Los Blancos have been extremely busy in the transfer market following the return of Jose Mourinho, with Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries all signed up.

But Real were also set to bring back talented attacking midfielder Nico Paz, who left for Como on a permanent deal in 2024.

The Argentina international had an electric campaign with Cesc Fabregas' side, scoring 13 goals in 40 games and helping the team make history by qualifying for the Champions League.

Widespread reports claimed that Real were ready to activate their buy-back option and re-sign Paz for €9 million .

However, instead of bringing him back into the fold, Real's plan was to immediate sell him back to Como or any other potential suitors for a fee of €60 million.

The big problem was that FIFA rules prohibit that from happening as "no club or player shall be involved in a bridge transfer".

According to FIFA, a bridge transfer is "two consecutive transfers, national or international, of the same player occur within a period of 16 weeks".

Paz would have been unable to move until January and so Real reached a compromise.

On Monday, they confirmed that all parties had agreed for Paz to continue with Como and play a part in their Champions League journey.

However, the 15-time European champions also revealed that as part of the fresh agreement, they have an option to sign him prior to the 2027/28 campaign.

A statement on Real's official website read: "Real Madrid CF, Como 1907 and Nico Paz have reached an agreement for the player to remain at the Italian club for the 2026-2027 season.

"This agreement, which was carried out at the player's own request, also stipulates that Real Madrid maintains a unilateral option to repurchase Nico Paz's federative rights for the 2027-2028 season."

Nico Paz issues statement after Real Madrid confirm agreement

The exact fee for which Real will be able to re-sign Paz has not been disclosed.

The 21-year-old is currently with Argentina at his first World Cup but took to his Instagram story to release a statement on his future.

He confirmed it was his decision to stay put at Como as it "the best option" at this stage of his career.

He wrote: “After many weeks of reflection, I have decided that the best option for my career at this time is to stay at the club for another year, the club that gave me the opportunity to grow and become the player I am today.

“I personally believe this is the best decision for both me and Real Madrid, as it is a very important year at this stage of my career and a unique opportunity to continue growing as a footballer and prepare myself in the best way for the future.”

Paz only managed eight appearances in the Los Blancos first-team after joining from CD Tenerife and was sold to Como for a fee of €6 million.

Contracted until 2028, he has made 75 appearances for Como - scoring 19 goals and registering 17 assists.

He has been capped 11 times for Argentina and started La Albiceleste's 3-1 win over Jordan last time out.