Thiago Pitarch edging closer to Real Madrid exit due to lack of playing time

Thiago Pitarch’s future at Real Madrid is in question ahead of the winter transfer window after he fell out of contention for the first team, despite José Mourinho insisting he stay last summer, according to a report by AS.

Pitarch played 16 matches for the first team last season: 10 in La Liga and 6 in the Champions League. He started against Atlético Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and also provided two assists in the league. Those opportunities came under Álvaro Arbeloa, who gave him room to prove his ability despite his young age.

The player was linked with a move away in the summer in search of more playing time, with Fulham, Lille, Málaga and Como among the clubs reportedly interested, according to AS. But Mourinho refused to let him go, considering him part of the first team, and said he would get his chance after recovering from an injury sustained at the start of pre-season.

According to the report, that bet has yet to translate into playing time. If the situation continues, Pitarch could lose match sharpness and see his development delayed, or it could prompt him to ask to leave in January, while Real Madrid could lose a player who might prove useful in the future.