Real Madrid Confidencial Confirmed: Arbeloa loses his star player and he will play the 25/26 season with another team
Thiago Pitarch made a very good impression with the First Team after his debut against Tirol and could be a recurring option
Thiago Pitarch takes another step forward in his meteoric career. The 18-year-old midfielder will remain under Álvaro Arbeloa's orders at Castilla. However, his destination for the 2025/26 season could change, since his name has already left a mark at Valdebebas.
The young midfielder has been one of the sensations of the summer. With just a few days since his birthday, he has already played with the reserve team and also with Xabi Alonso's first team.
Debut with Xabi's Madrid
In the friendly against WSG Tirol, Pitarch came on in the 83rd minute. He did so by replacing none other than Kylian Mbappé. He played as a left central midfielder in the 4-3-3, ahead of Alaba—who played as a pivot—and alongside Roberto Martín, another debutant.
In just a few minutes, he showed flashes of quality. With the ball, he contributed to the build-up, both in his own half and the opponent's. He looked for quick and precise combinations.
Without the ball, he showed intensity in pressing and made runs, both to support and to break away.
His 2025 has been dizzying. In January, he moved up to Arbeloa's Juvenil A. He started 16 out of 20 matches in División de Honor.
This summer, he earned another promotion, now to Castilla, playing every minute in the friendlies against Marbella and Racing de Ferrol.
Xabi Alonso's call came due to Manuel Ángel's absence. Pitarch seized the opportunity and convinced the coach: "It's a dream to talk to Xabi Alonso, a top-level player we used to watch on TV. Having him in front of me is a source of pride," he admitted after the match in Austria.
Option for the first team
Madrid is starting the season with problems in midfield. Bellingham and Camavinga are out, while Valverde is doubtful. In that context, Pitarch has become a real option to be included in the squad list.
His grit, work rate, and technical quality fit what Xabi Alonso is looking for. Although his immediate future will be away from Castilla, the doors to the first team remain open.
Thiago Pitarch will face 2025/26 with a new challenge. His departure leaves Arbeloa without one of his key pieces, but it confirms that the young Fuenlabrada native is ready to soar higher.
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