Thiago Pitarch’s Real Madrid future unclear after 16 games

Teenage midfielder Thiago Pitarch, 18, broke into Real Madrid’s first team last season, making 16 appearances and providing two assists. Heading into the new campaign, his future remains uncertain despite a contract until 2030 and registration with Castilla. Pitarch was involved in pre‑season under Xabi Alonso but only earned his senior debut after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge. He then established himself ahead of Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos in the midfield rotation. The teenager finished the 2025/26 campaign with 16 first‑team appearances and recorded two assists. These figures marked him as one of the few positives in an ill‑fated season for Real Madrid.

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Pitarch’s contract runs until 2030, and he remains registered as a Castilla player. His status as a La Fabrica graduate underscores the club’s long‑term investment in his development. Guillermo Rai of The Athletic the midfielder’s immediate future is unclear as Real Madrid prepare for a new season. Incoming manager Jose Mourinho’s pursuit of a new central midfielder, alongside the recent signing of Bernardo Silva, will intensify competition for midfield places.

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Mourinho is expected to rely on Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde as core midfielders, with Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva also featuring prominently. Potential departures for Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos, and linked targets Enzo Fernandez and Mateus Fernandes, could open a slot for Pitarch. If Pitarch impresses Mourinho, he could retain a role in the first‑team squad; otherwise another season with Castilla or a loan move may be considered. Photographs by Angel Martinez and Carlos Rodrigues illustrate the young midfielder’s journey.