Pitarch's Injury Complicates Fulham's Bid
Fulham Manager Arbeloa Targets Real Madrid Midfielder Thiago Pitarch for €50M, Injury Complicates Transfer
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Fulham's new manager Alvaro Arbeloa is chasing a third Real Madrid player this summer, with reports linking him to midfielder Thiago Pitarch for a fee of around €50 million ($57.4 million), according to Island Packet. Arbeloa has already brought Gonzalo García and César Palacios to Craven Cottage, and initial talks between Fulham and Pitarch's agent have taken place.
Pitarch is said to be "delighted" at the chance to reunite with his former teammates and manager in the Premier League. But the deal faces a real hurdle: the player is currently sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to miss at least six weeks.
Arbeloa Rebuilds Fulham With Real Madrid Pipeline
Since taking the Fulham job, Arbeloa has leaned hard on his Real Madrid connections. García and Palacios both made the move to west London, costing a combined €50 million. Pitarch would be the third piece of that puzzle, BND reported. The Spanish manager clearly trusts players he knows from his time at Madrid's academy setup.
Pitarch plays as a central midfielder and fits the profile Arbeloa wants — young, technically sharp, and familiar with his system. Fulham are not wasting time. Talks with Pitarch's representatives are already underway, a sign that the club sees him as a priority target this window.
Knee Injury Clouds Pitarch's Move to Fulham
The biggest obstacle right now is not money — it is fitness. Pitarch is recovering from a knee injury and will not be available for at least six weeks, according to Tri-City Herald. That timeline could force Fulham to look elsewhere while they wait, rather than enter the new season short in midfield.
Fulham are already keeping tabs on alternatives. Southampton's Shea Charles has emerged as a backup option if the Pitarch deal stalls or falls through. Charles, a defensive midfielder, proved himself in the Premier League last season despite Southampton's relegation.
Real Madrid's Midfield Depth Problem Gets Worse
If Pitarch leaves for Fulham, Real Madrid's midfield situation becomes even thinner. The club has already lost García and Palacios. Losing a third midfielder in one window would leave Carlo Ancelotti — or his successor — dangerously short of options in the center of the park, Bellingham Herald noted.
That is why analysts say signing Rodri has become a must for Madrid, not just a want. The Manchester City and Spain star would bring elite depth and leadership. Without a signing of that caliber, Madrid risk entering the new season with a midfield that simply does not have enough bodies.
What Happens Next for Fulham and Madrid
Fulham's move for Pitarch is still in early stages. No fee has been agreed and no personal terms have been signed, according to Island Packet. The next few weeks will be key. If Pitarch's recovery goes smoothly, a deal could be finalized before the window closes.
For Real Madrid, the clock is also ticking. Each player who leaves sharpens the need to bring in a world-class replacement. Rodri, 28, is widely seen as the best defensive midfielder in the world. If Madrid want to stay competitive in La Liga and the Champions League, adding him is no longer optional — it is urgent.
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