Thiago Pitarch is looking for regular football and could find it away from Real Madrid in January. The 19-year-old’s first-team opportunities have dwindled since the summer, when José Mourinho wanted him to stay and felt he could compete for a place in midfield.
Spanish journalist Miguel Serrano named Pitarch among the players who could leave Madrid this winter. A loan had already been floated as a way to give the youngster more minutes while keeping him on the club’s books.
Pitarch started out in the youth ranks at Atlético Madrid and Atlético Madrileño, then had spells at Getafe and Leganés before joining Real Madrid’s academy in 2023. He progressed through the youth teams to Castilla and the senior squad.
Álvaro Arbeloa handed Pitarch his first-team debut against Benfica in the Champions League in February 2026. He later featured against Manchester City in the same competition and helped Spain win the European Under-19 Championship, finishing as the tournament’s leading assist provider.
Mourinho wanted Pitarch to train with the first team while remaining registered with Castilla, but a knee ligament injury disrupted his pre-season. After recovering, the midfielder had to regain match sharpness with the reserves and wait for his next senior opportunity.
That chance came against Valencia on 7 November, when Pitarch replaced Jude Bellingham in the 90th minute. It was his only La Liga appearance of the season before the international break, having been an unused substitute on several occasions.
Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are all ahead of Pitarch in the pecking order. Arda Güler, Bellingham and Bernardo Silva can also fill more advanced midfield roles, leaving him with limited opportunities even after regaining fitness.
Pitarch could become Madrid’s second January departure if Endrick leaves first and a loan deal can be agreed. Mourinho would prefer to keep his squad together, and the decision will depend on whether Madrid can offer the youngster more minutes in the coming weeks.
