Spanish-Moroccan midfielder Thiago Pitarch earns Real Madrid first-team promotion under Mourinho

Real Madrid have decided to keep teenage midfielder Thiago Pitarch with the first team for the 2026-27 season, ending speculation that he could leave on loan this summer.

The 19-year-old has signed a new contract as a first-team player and has been included in Real Madrid’s senior squad, where he will wear the number 27 shirt.

The decision represents a significant show of faith in the academy graduate after his progress during the previous campaign.

Mourinho blocks loan departure

ESPN journalist Rodra reported that Pitarch had completed the formalities of his new first-team contract.

“Thiago Pitarch signed yesterday his new contract as a Real Madrid first-team player,” Rodra wrote on X.

Real Madrid had reportedly rejected the possibility of sending Pitarch out on loan despite interest from Fulham.

Former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was also said to have been keen to take the midfielder to the Premier League club, but the Spanish giants instead opted to keep him in Madrid.

Breakthrough season earns reward

Pitarch’s promotion follows a breakthrough campaign in which he received increased opportunities under Arbeloa and started several matches.

Those appearances strengthened his case for a permanent place within the senior squad and convinced the club that he could continue his development alongside established first-team players.

Marca had previously reported that Real Madrid intended to retain the youngster rather than send him elsewhere for experience.

Mourinho sees midfield potential

New coach José Mourinho is also understood to have played a role in the decision.

The Portuguese manager reportedly views Pitarch as a player capable of increasing competition for places in midfield and believes he can challenge for regular first-team minutes.

His emergence could also affect Real Madrid’s transfer plans, particularly their consideration of whether to recruit another defensive midfielder.

Rather than following the route taken by some academy graduates who have left temporarily to gain experience, Pitarch will remain within Mourinho’s first-team environment.

Pitarch faces battle for regular minutes

The promotion gives the 19-year-old an opportunity to establish himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, but competition for midfield places will be intense.

Pitarch must now adapt to Mourinho’s demands, compete with experienced players and convert the opportunities he receives into consistent performances.

With his new contract signed and the number 27 shirt assigned to him, Real Madrid have made their position clear: they believe Pitarch’s development is best continued at the Santiago Bernabéu.