Thiago Pitarch’s Real Madrid future suddenly hangs in the balance

The future of Thiago Pitarch, just 18, is more uncertain than ever. Fresh off winning the Under‑19 European Championship with Spain, the academy standout returned to Real Madrid eager to fight for a place under José Mourinho. But only nine days after lifting the trophy, his first face‑to‑face with the Portuguese coach took a bad turn: a misstep in his first training session left him sidelined for roughly six weeks.

A setback at the worst possible moment

Since the injury, Pitarch has been working at Valdebebas to get back on the field as quickly as possible and rejoin Mourinho’s squad. Before the setback, his future looked wide open. Málaga had shown the strongest interest, but their lack of European competition is a major obstacle. Pitarch has been clear about his priority: he wants Champions League minutes next season.

“I’d like to keep adding minutes in the Champions League next year,” he told AS. But that knee injury may have reshuffled his plans.

Staying at Real Madrid remains a real possibility

A continued stay in Madrid is far from ruled out. As happened last season, Pitarch will officially be registered with Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team. That’s not because Mourinho doesn’t count on him — it’s simply because all first‑team roster slots are currently filled. And with potential arrivals like Ousmane Diomande and Rodri, more departures will be needed to make room. For now, Pitarch is listed with Castilla.

What it really means for Mourinho

Being registered with Castilla doesn’t mean Pitarch won’t be part of the first team. If he stays, he’s expected to train and compete regularly with the senior squad. Last season, he played 16 matches for Real Madrid, even starting against Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. Álvaro Arbeloa trusted him, and Pitarch proved he could contribute.

But this season, competition will be tougher. The arrival of Bernardo Silva and the possible signing of Rodri would give Mourinho more midfield options — good news for the coach, but a challenge for Pitarch. And while Dani Ceballos has left, he didn’t log the kind of minutes Silva or Rodri are expected to command.

For now, Pitarch’s focus is singular: recovering from a knee injury that has thrown his future into limbo.

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