​One of the biggest stories to emerge from Real Madrid’s pre-season campaign centers on highly regarded midfielder Thiago Pitarch, whose fate at the club will be determined by new head coach Jose Mourinho over the coming weeks. According to AS, Mourinho plans to evaluate the young talent in person before making a final call on whether Pitarch will be included in Real Madrid’s senior squad for the 2026/27 season. These developments come on the heels of Pitarch’s standout summer with Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, where his performances were instrumental in helping his country lift the trophy. Notably, he finished the tournament as the competition’s top assist provider, a feat that has significantly boosted his reputation ahead of the new campaign.
Rather than stepping into the season with an assured spot, Pitarch now confronts a crucial challenge: convincing Mourinho that he merits a permanent place in Real Madrid’s first-team setup. Mourinho’s plan to assess Pitarch firsthand underscores the manager’s methodical approach to squad construction and his desire to judge the youngster’s readiness for the rigors of top-level football. The report indicates that Pitarch has been included in Real Madrid’s pre-season training roster, meaning the academy graduate will return from holiday earlier than anticipated to begin preparations with the senior squad. Those close to Pitarch believe he remains unfazed by pressure and is fully prepared to compete for a place among Real Madrid’s players as the new season approaches.
At the moment, midfield competition within the squad remains intense, particularly with the acquisition of Bernardo Silva adding depth and quality to options in that area. The potential exits of Dani Ceballos and the possibility of another midfielder leaving the club could open up valuable opportunities within Mourinho’s rotation, heightening the relevance of Pitarch’s pre-season performance. In this context, his future at Real Madrid has become one of the most intriguing subplots to monitor during the club’s pre-season phase.
Pitarch heads into preparations with rising confidence following an impressive breakthrough year at both club and international levels. He was among Spain’s standout performers at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, returning to Madrid with a winners’ medal and the tournament’s top assist award. It is worth noting that last season he logged time in ten La Liga matches and made six appearances in the UEFA Champions League, gaining experience against some of Europe’s strongest teams. Those performances have elevated him into one of the most talked-about Real Madrid youngsters ahead of Mourinho’s first season in charge.
As the squad edges toward the start of the league campaign, Pitarch’s bid to secure a long-term future at Real Madrid remains a narrative to watch closely. His recent form and international success have positioned him as a promising prospect for the club’s future plans, and Mourinho’s evaluation will be decisive in determining whether Pitarch becomes a fixture in Real Madrid’s senior lineup for the 2026/27 season. With the preseason approaching and the midfield landscape evolving, Pitarch’s development and performance in training and friendlies could shape the trajectory of his career at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.