Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho personally blocked Real Madrid midfielder Premier League transfer – report
Real Madrid academy midfielder Thiago Pitarch is set to remain at the club after Jose Mourinho stepped in to block a proposed move to Fulham.
According to an update from Alberto Pereiro, relayed by Defensa Central, the Portuguese manager personally told Pitarch not to leave and informed the youngster that he will be an important part of his plans next season.
The development is significant given the growing uncertainty surrounding Pitarch’s future.
Fulham, now managed by former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, had been keen to reunite with the midfielder in the Premier League.
Mourinho intervenes to stop Pitarch’s Fulham transfer
Arbeloa knows Pitarch well from their time together at Real Madrid, having handed the youngster his senior debut. His interest in bringing him to Fulham was therefore far from surprising.
The former Real Madrid coach has already turned to his old club for reinforcements, signing Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, and Pitarch had emerged as another potential target.
With Mourinho arriving at Real Madrid and several new signings joining the squad, there were understandable doubts over whether Pitarch would have a clear route into the first team.
However, Mourinho’s stance appears to have settled the matter.
Speaking about the situation, Alberto Pereiro said, “I’ve already told you that Mou put a stop to his move to Fulham and told him not to go anywhere. Thiago is going to be important.
“I reckon that once he’s fit, he’ll get plenty of playing time. He should be back with the squad by the end of the month,” he explained.
Injury delays Pitarch’s chance under Mourinho
One important detail is that Pitarch has yet to properly train under Mourinho.
The midfielder suffered a sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his knee, which has kept him away from the main group during an important period of pre-season preparation.
His recovery, however, is reportedly progressing well, with a return to the squad expected by the end of the month.
That should finally give Mourinho the chance to work directly with the academy product and assess how he fits into his plans.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
