Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenage prodigy’s situation uncertain despite breakthrough last season
One of the few positives for Real Madrid during their ill-fated 2025/26 season was the breakthrough of teenage midfielder Thiago Pitarch.
The 18-year-old La Fabrica talent had been in and around the first-team dynamics from the start of pre-season under Xabi Alonso, but it was only under Alvaro Arbeloa that he finally made his senior debut.
After that, Thiago established himself as a regular in the side, even jumping ahead of players like Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
The teenager ended the season with 16 first-team appearances, in which he even registered two assists.
Thiago’s future situation unclear
However, heading into the new season, Thiago Pitarch’s situation at Real Madrid is far from clear, reports Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.
Even though he is held in high regard by some higher-ups in the club, it is not fully clear as to what the immediate future holds for the youngster.
Following his breakthrough under Arbeloa, Thiago is bound to attract interest from outside.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new central midfielder under incoming manager Jose Mourinho after already signing Bernardo Silva will only intensify competition for places.
So, there is an element of uncertainty surrounding the La Fabrica graduate, who has a contract until 2030 and remains registered as a Castilla player.
Decision rests on Mourinho
Much will depend on Mourinho and what he decides the make-up of his midfield unit at Real Madrid needs to be for next season.
As things stand, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are set to be crucial players for the Portuguese manager, while the likes of Arda Guler and Bernardo will also have important roles.
There is a possibility that one of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga could leave, while Dani Ceballos is bound to for the exit doors.
One of those slots will be occupied by whoever Real Madrid sign, with names like Enzo Fernandez and Mateus Fernandes being linked.
So, there could be space for someone like Thiago to continue being in the first-team dynamics, if he makes a good impression on the new manager.
If not, another season with Castilla where he can continue to develop would not be the worst idea. Or a loan move away with a chance to play first-team football elsewhere might also be an option worth exploring.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
