Fulham Handed Bad Transfer News After Real Madrid Decision

With still a few weeks remaining of the summer transfer window, it’s safe to say it has already been a busy one for Real Madrid.

The club have moved to bring in Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool via free agency), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City via free agency), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), and Carlos Espi (Levante).

Meanwhile, there have been a few outgoings too, with Dani Ceballos (mutual contract termination), Dani Carvajal and David Alaba (released), Fran Garcia (Real Betis), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina, loan), as well as Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios (Fulham).

The latter two have moved to the Premier League to reunite with their former Castilla and then first team manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed manager of Fulham back in July. Their opening game will be a West London derby against Xabi Alonso’s Fulham.

There was an expectation that Arbeloa would look to bring young Real Madrid players with him over to England, and some have assumed that he might not be done there, with more players to come.

One of the players who was seen as a feasible option for the 43-year old to sign was Thiago Pitarch, whom Arbeloa promoted to the first team and gave significant minutes to in some big games, both domestically and in Europe.

However, it seems like that will not be the case. Indeed not, as it is being reported by Fabrizio Romano (via MadridXtra) that Pitarch will not be joining Fulham, and could stay at Real Madrid (perhaps implying there are other suitors). Jose Mourinho is said to be very happy with him.

Seems pretty sensible overall. Someone who can play here and there when there are injuries and suspensions, whilst not complaining much about game time is ideal. He also should take up a Castilla spot rather than a first team one, which always helps out. 

Perhaps moving to Fulham and playing more regularly would have been better for his development, but the club have already thought that regarding Garcia and Palacios. At some point, they have to think about themselves, and do what is best for Real Madrid. 

Plus, how likely is it for both Palacios and Pitarch to start for Fulham? Sure, Arbeloa knows them both well, but there are already players in that position competing for spots, and they have just signed a central midfielder for no small fee. Perhaps it is actually better for Palacios and his game time that Pitarch does not come. So it seems like a good thing all round.