Real Madrid News
Real Madrid breakthrough prodigy to return to Castilla for final phase of the season
Despite the underwhelming season, Real Madrid have had some positives coming out, one of which has to be the breakthrough of academy gem Thiago Pitarch.
The 18-year-old midfielder had been around the first-team squad since pre-season last summer under Xabi Alonso, and finally got his debut under Alvaro Arbeloa earlier this year.
Since then, he has grown in prominence in the senior setup, with his promotion to the first-team squad seen as a mere formality.
Thiago returns to Castilla
However, according to AS, Thiago will be returning to Castilla for the final phase of the season, starting tonight.
Indeed, the young midfielder has been called up for the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup, to be held close to London.
The tournament, which is by invitation, pits English reserve teams against European sides, and Castilla are now close to reaching the final. They face Dinamo Zagreb, with a place in the final at stake after already lifting the UEFA Youth League trophy this season.
Thiago has not played for Castilla for 79 days, specifically since 8 February in a match against Pontevedra that ended 0-0. At that time, he had already been included in several first-team squads but had yet to make his debut.
That came nine days later, on 17 February, when he played one minute against Benfica. Since then, he has not featured for Castilla, nor in the Youth League or this competition, effectively becoming a full first-team player.
Thiago has accumulated 584 minutes across 12 matches with the first team, including starting roles in key fixtures such as the tie against Manchester City and the derby. He established himself in a squad still competing for major titles.
Not a demotion
However, the current situation has shifted, and this has led to a change in priorities. At present, Thiago is considered more necessary for Castilla in matches like tonight’s than with the first team.
The decision may not stop here, as there is serious consideration of him playing regularly with Castilla during the final stretch of the season to help the team reach the play-offs.
Thiago’s return to Castilla is viewed as a strategic decision rather than a demotion. Castilla remain unbeaten in this edition of the competition, finishing the group stage with two wins and two draws.
They reached the semi-finals after a notable comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit against Manchester United to win 2-4 after extra time. If they progress, their opponent in the final will be either Real Sociedad or Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
