Newly-promoted La Liga side interested in signing breakthrough Real Madrid talent after stunning Spain displays | OneFootball

Real Madrid transfer news continues to gather pace ahead of the new season, with academy midfielder Thiago Pitarch emerging as one of the club’s most closely watched young players. 

According to AS, the Spain Under-19 international has attracted strong interest from several clubs following his impressive performances this summer, with newly-promoted side Malaga leading the race for his signature.

The interest comes after Pitarch enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, where he helped his country lift the trophy while finishing as the tournament’s leading assist provider. 

Those performances have significantly strengthened his reputation, yet, the Thiago Pitarch Real Madrid future remains undecided.

That uncertainty largely comes from Jose Mourinho’s arrival, with the Portuguese coach expected to assess the midfielder during Real Madrid pre-season before making a final decision on his place in the first-team squad.

Malaga step up pursuit of Thiago Pitarch

Malaga are interested in Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

The latest Real Madrid news suggests Malaga have positioned themselves as the strongest contenders should the club decide to allow Pitarch to leave this summer.

Fresh from securing promotion back to La Liga, they are searching for a creative midfielder capable of operating in multiple positions, making the versatile Real Madrid academy graduate an attractive target.

From a sporting perspective, regular first-team football could provide Pitarch with the opportunity to continue his development and establish himself as one of La Liga’s emerging midfielders. 

A leading role at Malaga would offer consistent minutes in Spain’s top flight, something every young player values at this stage of their career.

However, there is one major obstacle that could complicate any move. Malaga will not compete in European football next season, an important factor given Pitarch’s ambitions after already gaining valuable experience with Real Madrid in elite competitions.

Pitarch’s Real Madrid future is currently uncertain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As things stand, the Real Madrid midfielder is expected to report for Real Madrid pre-season training, where Mourinho will closely monitor his performances before reaching a conclusion.

Champions League football remains Pitarch’s priority

Although interest from Malaga is genuine, Pitarch has already made his personal preference clear if he eventually leaves the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking during an earlier interview with AS, the young midfielder admitted that continuing to compete at Europe’s highest level remains one of his main objectives.

“I’d like to continue getting minutes in the Champions League next season,” he said.

That statement could influence any future negotiations, with clubs involved in the UEFA Champions League likely to hold greater appeal than sides focused solely on domestic competition.