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Thiago Pitarch Emerges as Real Madrid’s Lone Academy Breakthrough in Preseason
Thiago Pitarch has emerged as the only academy player to secure a place in Real Madrid’s first-team plans after an extensive preseason evaluation. Although Jose Mourinho has a long-standing reputation for giving young players opportunities, the pressure surrounding the senior squad means only a select few can realistically make the step up. Pitarch’s progress therefore stands out as a significant achievement within a demanding environment.
Mourinho has previously shown a willingness to trust young talents, including during his spells at Benfica and Real Madrid. However, the current situation at Madrid is more complicated because the club is expected to compete for immediate results while also managing a squad packed with established stars. At the same time, La Fábrica remains an important source of both talent and revenue, with players frequently moving on when opportunities in the first team are limited.
The recent departure of Jacobo Ortega highlights that approach. Ortega was part of the Real Madrid C side that won the Youth League last season and is now set to join Strasbourg in a deal reportedly worth €10 million, with the French club acquiring 70 percent of his rights. Against that backdrop, Pitarch is the academy graduate who has managed to remain involved with the senior setup following the preseason assessment.
Pitarch initially faced a setback after suffering an injury while preparing for a potential move to Fulham, where Arbeloa is in charge and where Gonzalo and Palacios have also arrived. Despite that interruption, the midfielder is expected to remain around Mourinho’s first-team environment as an alternative option. Administratively, however, he will continue to be registered as a Castilla player, allowing him to maintain regular competitive football while remaining close to the senior squad.
Other academy prospects, including Joan Martínez, Mario Rivas, Cestero and Ciria, are also expected to train regularly with the first team and remain under Mourinho’s supervision. Their competitive commitments will primarily come with Castilla in Primera Federación, while Cestero and Ciria could still leave before the transfer window closes. For now, Pitarch occupies the most prominent position among the academy group, giving him a valuable opportunity to establish himself within Real Madrid’s first-team plans.
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