Inter Milan is preparing to submit a €70 million bid to retain Argentine player Nico Paz in Serie A for the 2026-2027 season. However, the transfer, which involves Messi’s backup at the national team, is at risk of being impeded by FIFA’s transfer regulations.
After losing Marco Palestra to Chelsea, which offered a significantly higher salary, Inter, under coach Cristi Chivu, has shifted focus to securing Paz as a luxury target in the summer transfer window.
Oaktree Capital, the club’s owner, has approved a budget of €70 million to enhance Inter’s squad by potentially bringing Paz to the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, who has been a substitute for Lionel Messi on the world stage.
Bidding for Paz Starts at €70 Million; Como Can Redeem Him for €60 Million
Paz, recognized as the best midfielder in Serie A last season, was acquired by Real Madrid after the club paid Como a €9 million release clause.
Despite this, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, intends to sell him this summer rather than retain him. Como has a preferential option to reacquire him for €60 million, while any other interested clubs must begin their bids at €70 million.
However, this potential deal has raised concerns due to a recent FIFA regulatory change regarding the so-called “bridge transfer,” which allows player movement between three clubs in the same transfer window. Since Real Madrid acquired Paz from Como and is now looking to sell him to Inter, the transaction will be scrutinized by FIFA, which is vigilant about such cases.
Clubs Must Prove Transfer Legitimacy to FIFA
According to Carlo Rombola, an Italian sports law attorney, clubs involved must demonstrate the legitimacy of the transfer, showing that it serves sporting needs rather than fraudulent intentions.
There is no absolute ban on transfers between more than two clubs during a transfer period, but FIFA may request explanations to ensure compliance with regulations that have been bypassed in the past to evade taxes or other legalities.
The latest revision of FIFA’s RSTP regulations, effective from 2025, includes Article 5-bis, which outlines these protocols.
“The regulations do not state that a transfer will be rejected or invalidated. Rather, they specify that FIFA can ask for explanations if such a transfer occurs, placing the burden of proof on the clubs involved,” Rombola added.
If FIFA finds the evidence insufficient, the involved clubs risk penalties, including transfer bans and financial fines, and players themselves may face suspensions and fines. This rule serves as a deterrent, impacting both clubs and players involved in potentially dubious transactions,” said Carlo Rombola.
