Real Madrid academy midfielder Thiago Pitarch is set for a defining few weeks after earning a place in Jose Mourinho’s pre-season plans, with the Portuguese coach expected to make the final decision on whether the teenager stays at the club or leaves on loan.

According to AS, Pitarch will report for first-team training next Monday following Spain’s triumph at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship.

Advertisement

Once he arrives, a meeting with Mourinho is expected, allowing the new Real Madrid manager to assess one of the club’s most highly-rated young midfielders before deciding the next step in his development.

Mourinho wants to assess Pitarch

Pitarch heads into pre-season with his reputation significantly enhanced after helping Spain win the Under-19 European Championship.

Thiago Pitarch has no shortage of suitors. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The midfielder was one of the leaders of the squad throughout the tournament, building on an impressive campaign at club level where he established himself as a regular under former Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Advertisement

With Mourinho now in charge of the first team, however, every young player effectively starts with a clean slate.

On that note, the Real Madrid manager wants to evaluate Pitarch personally before deciding whether he remains within the senior set-up for the season or gains first-team experience elsewhere on loan.

Speaking before the Under-19 European Championship final, Pitarch admitted he had not yet spoken to Mourinho, making the pre-season camp his first real opportunity to impress the Portuguese coach.

Loan interest grows after Spain Under-19 success

Pitarch wants to stay at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Advertisement

Spain’s European title has significantly raised the profile of several members of the squad, and Pitarch is among the players attracting attention after an excellent tournament.

As reported before, Malaga are one of the clubs following his situation closely.

Should Real Madrid decide that regular senior football is the best option for his development, a loan is considered the most likely outcome.

However, the report adds that Pitarch would ideally prefer to join a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, allowing him to continue developing at the highest possible level while remaining under Real Madrid’s control.