When going through a period of change, there is always some uncertainty about the decisions to be made. Will they be the right ones? That is the situation Real Madrid finds itself in, having decided to say goodbye to the most successful coach in its history, Carlo Ancelotti, and place all its trust in Xabi Alonso to turn the current situation around and build a competitive team whose good play will lead to titles.
To put together this lethal squad, Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso are not only thinking about signings but also analyzing the current situation of each and every member of the current squad. Several players’ futures are up in the air after a season in which they have been heavily criticized. The World Cup will undoubtedly be key to the decision-making process. One decision that seems to be a done deal is the continuity of Ceballos.
Ceballos will remain at Real Madrid for the time being
With the departure of Modric and after the Utrera-born player’s performance in the first half of the season, the club is confident in his continuity. Both the club and the coaching staff consider him a first-rate substitute. However, the club is working on bringing in reinforcements for the midfield and has not closed the door on his departure.
Everything points to him not being a starter in the new Real Madrid given his performance in recent games and the fact that the club is close to signing even more players for the midfield. The player has a contract with Real Madrid until 2027 and, although Xabi Alonso will have a lot to say in the final decision on his situation, it will be the player himself who will have the last word on his future.
Ceballos and a season of ups and downs
The player was on the verge of leaving in the last summer transfer window. Real Betis, the club he loves, was willing to take him back, and still is, but in the end, with the departure of Toni Kroos and a summer without any signings other than Mbappé, it was decided that he would stay. Ancelotti put his faith in him for the midfield, and that gamble paid off.
The player silenced many critics who were calling for his departure, as his good form in the first half of the season exceeded many expectations. The player took control of the midfield and earned himself a place in the starting line-up. He showed control and fluidity in his passing, standing out in vital matches such as against Manchester City.
However, just when he was at his best, an injury halted his progress.
In the Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, Ceballos collided with Take Kubo, fell to the ground and asked to be substituted. His injury kept him off the pitch for just over two months. His absence was felt by the team and his return was eagerly awaited for the crucial Champions League match against Arsenal. However, he did not return to the same level he had before the injury.
That is one of the reasons why the club is looking to strengthen its midfield. The Whites are considering bringing back Nico Paz from Como for around €8 million, as well as having Angelo Stiller high on their agenda as the perfect new Toni Kroos. It remains to be seen how the Utrera-born player will react to the signings and how Xabi Alonso sees him during the World Cup before a final decision is made. Real Madrid are clear that they are counting on him, but it remains to be seen whether he is willing to take on a more secondary role.