Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenage prodigy signs new first-team contract with the club
In a major development, journalist Rodra of ESPN reports that Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch has signed a new contract with the club as a first-team player.
As per the update, the 18-year-old put pen on paper on the new deal yesterday, Monday, although an official announcement of the same has not yet been made by the Merengues.
Breakthrough last season
Thiago enjoyed his breakthrough at Real Madrid last season. After having been in and around the first-team squad since the start of pre-season under Xabi Alonso, the midfielder’s official debut came in January with Alvaro Arbeloa in charge.
Having impressed in the chances he got, the La Fabrica graduate went on to become a regular in the team, even overtaking Eduardo Camavinga in the pecking order in midfield, featuring in key games against the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
He also excelled with the Spanish Under-19 national team during the summer, helping them win the Under-19 European Championships.
Mourinho blocks exit
Coming into the summer window, though, Thiago’s future at Real Madrid had been cast in doubt after Arbeloa left the club and Jose Mourinho came in as the new manager.
With the Portuguese tactician signing Bernardo Silva and pushing for another midfield acquisition, the teenager appeared to be on his way out.
But things changed after the Merengues’ failed pursuit of Rodri, who is headed for Barcelona. Mourinho intervened personally to block Thiago’s exit, even as Fulham, led by Arbeloa, were pushing to sign him.
Now, the teenager has signed a new first-team contract, even though he will continue with Castilla registration, having been given the No. 27 shirt for the season.
Thiago has not played any minutes in pre-season as he suffered an injury early upon his return and his currently recovering from the same.
It remains to be seen whether he gets prominent minutes in the senior setup once the season gets underway.
After all, the likes of Bernardo, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Guler are all ahead of him in the preference order as things stand.
But the fact that Thiago is listed as a first-team player by Real Madrid and has now been given a contract to reflect the same shows the club’s faith and confidence in his potential and abilities.
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.
