The stunning wonderkid swoop which could see Sunderland get their hands on a rising Real Madrid star

Sunderland have adapted well to life in the Premier League since their promotion from the Championship. They are sat in 13th place in the top flight table after 30 games. The Black Cats have eight fixtures left to play before the end of the season - but their attention may already be turning slowly to the summer.

Regis Le Bris’ side were beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton and Hove Albion last time out and will be keen to bounce back from that defeat as soon as possible especially with a derby match against rivals Newcastle United coming up this weekend. But with the club struggling to score goals this season, new reports suggest that they’re looking beyond the Tyne-Wear Derby and on to a potentially exciting move for a young player making waves in Spain...

Sunderland eye move for Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Sunderland are keen on Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch and could pay up to £15million. He is under contract with the La Liga giants until June 2027. Therefore, his long-term future in Spain is up in the air ahead of the next transfer window.

His current club have a decision to make regarding his situation. They risk losing him for nothing next year if they don’t cash in on him now or next January, assuming he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon. Therefore, it remains to be seen where he will be playing his football next season.

Pitarch, 18, is a central midfielder who is being tipped for big things down the line. If he joined Sunderland, he would be a useful long-term acquisition for the Black Cats and someone who has potential to be a useful option over the coming years. He would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park if he made the switch to England.

Who is Real Madrid prospect Thiago Pitarch amid links to Sunderland?

Sunderland-linked Pitarch joined Real Madrid back in 2023. Prior to his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu, he had spells at Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Leganes. He initially broke into the C team before making the step up to the B team last year.

The Spain youth international, who has represented his country at both U19 and U20 levels, made his senior debut in February as a substitute in the Champions League against Benfica. He has since featured on five more occasions over recent times. He has been training with the first-team on a regular basis and will be learning a lot from his teammates.

Sunderland had to build a new-look team after sealing their return from the second tier. They beat Sheffield United in the play-off final last May at Wembley with Tommy Watson scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner. Their subsequent recruitment was impressive and they will be hoping for more of the same this time around.

Pitarch is a highly rated prospect and could turn out to be an exciting addition if the Black Cats managed to bring him in. As with any player from abroad, patience may well be required whilst he adapted to life in a new country. He lacks experience too and would need time to find his feet and settle in, especially due to his tender age.