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.
Fulham were interested in signing Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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
Mourinho blocked Pitarch’s summer exit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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.