Real Madrid reject Lille move for 19-year-old promising midfielder | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made a firm decision over the future of one of their most promising young midfielders, with Lille seeing an approach for Thiago Pitarch rejected.

According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, the Ligue 1 club identified the 19-year-old Real Madrid talent as a potential replacement for Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is set to join Manchester City in a deal worth an initial €95 million plus €5 million in add-ons. 

However, despite the interest from France, Real Madrid have no intention of allowing Pitarch to leave. 

The midfielder only recently signed an improved contract and the club’s decision to reject Lille’s approach shows how his situation has changed in recent weeks.

Lille see Pitarch as ideal Bouaddi replacement

Lille’s interest comes at a difficult moment for the French side. 

Bouaddi is set to leave the club following Manchester City’s huge move, forcing Lille to search for a midfielder capable of filling a significant gap in the squad.

Lille made an approach for Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Pitarch has emerged as a leading candidate for Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti, who has a strong history with Real Madrid. 

The young midfielder already has first-team experience at Santiago Bernabeu, having enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough last season while becoming the club’s youngest player to feature in a Champions League quarter-final.

That rise made him an attractive option for a club looking to replace one of Europe’s most valuable young midfielders.

However, Real Madrid have closed the door on a potential transfer. 

The club’s official website lists Pitarch as a first-team midfielder for the 2026/27 season, with the youngster wearing the No. 27 shirt while retaining his Castilla registration.

Pitarch survives uncertain summer after Mourinho arrival

Pitarch’s position was far from secure earlier in the transfer window.

Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho have complete faith in Thiago Pitarch. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His breakthrough had come under Alvaro Arbeloa, but the change in the dugout and the arrival of Jose Mourinho created fresh uncertainty around the teenager.

With Bernardo Silva arriving and Mourinho pushing for further midfield additions, Pitarch appeared to have a real chance of leaving in search of regular opportunities.

But Real Madrid’s failed pursuit of Rodri appears to have changed the picture.

Instead of bringing in another major midfield name, the club have moved to protect their homegrown option. 

Reports earlier this month suggested that Mourinho wanted Pitarch to remain involved with the first-team group once he recovered from injury, despite his Castilla registration.

His immediate focus, though, remains recovery, as Pitarch has not featured during pre-season after suffering an injury shortly after returning, and he was also unavailable for the La Liga opener against Espanyol.