Thiago Pitarch registration signals Real Madrid have changed course on midfield transfer

Real Madrid have listed Thiago Pitarch as a first-team player on the club’s official website, a move that appears to have put their plans to sign another defensive midfielder on hold.

Pitarch is shown wearing the number 27 shirt in the first-team squad section, alongside the club’s new arrivals and their allocated numbers. Bernardo Silva has been listed with number 20, Marc Cucurella with 17 and Yan Diomande with 25.

The decision regarding Pitarch is significant, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Although the midfielder still holds a playing registration with Real Madrid Castilla, the club placed him among the first-team midfielders on its website on the morning of the announcement.

That listing also includes the number 27 shirt, despite the rule that players registered with the first team must wear squad numbers from one to 25. Real Madrid’s decision to present Pitarch as part of the senior group nevertheless suggests he is now being considered for a more prominent role.

The club are expected to rely on the young midfielder after he made greater progress last season under Alvaro Arbeloa. Pitarch was given increased opportunities during the campaign and started several matches, strengthening the case for his promotion within the squad.

The move also indicates that Real Madrid are unlikely to pursue a defensive midfield signing, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri reportedly close to joining Barcelona. Instead, Jose Mourinho is set to place greater responsibility on the academy player as he seeks more competition in midfield and hopes to secure a regular place himself.

Real Madrid had previously been prepared to consider a loan move for Pitarch, but have now decided against allowing him to leave. The situation differs from that of Palacios and Gonzalo, who were sent out, while Arbeloa had wanted to take Pitarch to Fulham.

The club refused to approve that move this time, underlining its intention to keep the player available for the first-team squad.

Pitarch’s inclusion follows the publication of Real Madrid’s updated squad list, which also confirmed the shirt numbers assigned to their latest signings. His presence among the senior players, despite his continued Castilla registration, has therefore become the clearest indication yet that the club’s midfield strategy is changing.

Rather than adding another holding midfielder, Real Madrid now appear ready to give Pitarch the opportunity to compete for a place under Mourinho. The decision comes as Rodri’s expected move to Barcelona reduces the likelihood of the Manchester City player becoming an option for the Madrid club.

For Pitarch, the decision represents a significant step after his breakthrough under Arbeloa last season. Real Madrid’s refusal to sanction a loan move means he will remain within the club’s first-team structure and will have the chance to challenge for minutes in midfield.