Thiago Pitarch Likely to Leave Real Madrid This Summer

Real Madrid are shifting focus to outflows, and one player linked with a departure is Thiago Pitarch. The 19‑year‑old midfielder shone in the latter half of last season, yet his spot in José Mourinho’s squad for the 2026‑27 campaign is far from guaranteed. The recent signing of Bernardo Silva adds another competitor for a central‑midfield berth, joining established options such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.

Mourinho’s Midfield Calculus and Pitarch’s Odds

Dani Ceballos has already departed, and Real Madrid have decided against adding another midfielder, so there will be no fresh rival for Pitarch’s position. Mourinho will make his final call on the player during pre‑season training, after which Pitarch—currently on a break following Spain’s U‑19 European Championship win—will return to Valdebebas. If the manager feels the youngster cannot contribute at the senior level, the teen will be moved on this summer.

Potential Exit Paths and Pitarch’s Preferences

La Liga newcomers Málaga have expressed interest in taking Pitarch on loan, but the player has publicly stated his desire to remain with Real Madrid according to a Sport report. Should Mourinho rule against him, the club expects a loan move to be the most likely outcome, although a permanent transfer with a sell‑on or buy‑back clause cannot be ruled out. Having outgrown the Castilla squad, failing to secure a first‑team berth would naturally lead to an exit.

What It Means for Real Madrid’s Squad

The situation reflects Real Madrid’s broader strategy of streamlining the squad while looking for value from emerging talents. Pitarch’s development path will now hinge on how quickly he can adapt to the higher level and impress Mourinho in pre‑season. If he succeeds, he could become a key part of Mourinho’s rotation, but if not, this summer will mark his departure.