Real Madrid keep faith with Thiago Pitarch as Lille plan for Ayoub Bouaddi exit

Lille’s attempt to sign Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch has been rejected, with the Spanish club determined to retain one of its most promising young players.

The French club had identified the 19-year-old as a potential replacement for Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi, who is expected to join Manchester City in a deal worth about €95m, plus a further €5m in performance-related bonuses. Bouaddi is set to sign a contract running until 2031.

According to The Athletic, Lille explored a move for Pitarch partly because of the strong relationship between their manager, Davide Ancelotti, and Real Madrid. Davide Ancelotti spent several years working at the Spanish club alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti.

That connection, however, was not enough to persuade Real Madrid to allow Pitarch to leave. The club rejected Lille’s approach and continue to regard the midfielder as an important part of their plans for the future.

Lille have been considering a number of possible additions as they prepare for Bouaddi’s departure, with the expected transfer to Manchester City set to bring a significant fee. Pitarch was among the players under consideration, but Real Madrid’s position has closed off that route.

The Spanish midfielder gradually established himself around the first team last season and has now strengthened his position within the club. Real Madrid believe he has the potential to develop into an important player, making them unwilling to sanction a move despite Lille’s interest.

Pitarch recently signed a new and improved contract with Real Madrid. He also made club history when, aged 18 years and 247 days, he became the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in a Champions League quarter-final.

He has made 16 appearances for Real Madrid’s first team so far and has provided two assists.

Pitarch’s standing was further enhanced when he helped Spain win the European Under-19 Championship. That success reinforced the view that he is among the leading young talents on whom Real Madrid are placing considerable hopes over the coming years.

The decision to keep Pitarch comes as Real Madrid continue to seek solutions in midfield. Their pursuit of Rodri did not succeed, and the club have yet to sign a new player to address the shortage in that area.

For Lille, the focus now returns to finding another candidate to fill the gap expected to be left by Bouaddi. For Real Madrid, meanwhile, Pitarch remains part of their long-term project rather than a player available to help another club rebuild its midfield.