Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid have signed as many as six players so far this summer, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande being the latest addition.
This is a clear indication of Real Madrid’s intent and new coach Jose Mourinho’s desire to revamp the squad as he looks to take on Barcelona next season.
Quite naturally, Real Madrid’s spending spree this summer could also result in a few departures, with many players already linked with exits.
Brahim Diaz and Thiago Pitarch are two such players facing an uncertain future, with the former even being linked with a move Juventus last month.
According to Miguel Serrano, Mourinho has no desire to lose either Diaz or Pitarch this summer, believing both could prove genuinely useful to him over the course of a demanding campaign.
Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Pitarch has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
This is particularly important for Pitarch’s case, given the strong interest the young midfielder has attracted. Fulham have shown concrete interest in the teenager, with Alvaro Arbeloa keen on a reunion at Craven Cottage.
The former Real Madrid coach has already lured Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios to Fulham, and Pitarch has been identified as a third academy target.
Pitarch made his senior debut under Arbeloa against Benfica in the Champions League, a night on which Benfica were managed by none other than Mourinho.
Despite that interest, Mourinho’s desire to retain Pitarch could prove decisive, with the Portuguese having been impressed by him during pre-season.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho wants both Brahim and Pitarch in the team. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The reasoning behind Mourinho keeping both players lies in the depth and flexibility they offer.
Diaz is a versatile attacker capable of operating across the front line and in midfield, and his experience, quality and ability to change a game from the bench make him a valuable squad option during a season packed with fixtures across multiple competitions.
Pitarch, meanwhile, represents one of La Fabrica’s brightest prospects.
While he may not command a regular starting berth just yet, Mourinho clearly views him as a useful option who can be integrated gradually, providing energy and quality in midfield when called upon.
Sami Khedira, former Real Madrid midfielder
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images
Sami Khedira was one of many new faces brought in by Jose Mourinho when he took over charge at Real Madrid earlier in the summer.
Formerly a Real Madrid midfielder, Khedira was roped in as an assistant coach for Mourinho. Many had doubted the move at the time as the German had no prior coaching experience and was mostly doing punditry for television.
However, as AS reports, Khedira’s integration into the Real Madrid coaching staff has worked out wonderfully so far, with many praising the transformational changes he has brought to the table.
His influence was clear to see during last Saturday’s friendly against Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, which marked his public debut as Mourinho’s special assistant.
Sami Khedira, former Real Madrid midfielder
Khedira has transformed himself. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Khedira took charge of the team for a large part of the warm-up, organising and setting the pace, and those who see him daily at Valdebebas insist he conveys Mourinho’s message superbly.
He is described as far more than a simple link between coach and dressing room. Sources close to the squad say Khedira “seems like a different person” compared to his playing days.
Back then, he was a respected voice but operated somewhat in the background. Now, he is more vocal and commanding, with players such as Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga seen listening intently to his specific instructions during that warm-up.
The transformation is no accident, with Khedira having spent recent years developing his leadership and communication skills.
Mourinho was convinced of Khedira’s abilities. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
After hanging up his boots, he moved into punditry, joining ESPN as an analyst for the European Championship in 2021 before earning recognition across various networks for his understated, analytical style.
That media experience means he could even act as Mourinho’s press replacement if required, much like Aitor Karanka did during the Portuguese’s first spell at the Bernabeu.
Khedira completed the UEFA Executive Master’s programme for former international footballers in 2022, a two-year course focused on leadership and coaching.
It was that blend of preparation and gravitas that convinced Mourinho to make his move.
And it took just one phone call from Mourinho to lure Khedira away from his media career.
The Portuguese has always valued the serious, thoughtful and analytical nature of the man who was once one of his key players on the pitch.
For Khedira, meanwhile, the chance to work under his old mentor at a club of Real Madrid’s magnitude proved impossible to turn down.