Since last summer, Dani Ceballos’ future at Real Madrid has been in doubt. The Utrera-born player was on the verge of leaving last season to join Real Betis, but ultimately decided to stay and played an important role for the team until an untimely injury changed everything. Now he is back in the background, which is making him consider leaving in search of playing time that he will not get, a priori, under Xabi Alonso, who did not count on him during the Club World Cup, where he played just 70 minutes in six games.
Discreet World Cup
Dani Ceballos ended the Club World Cup with 70 minutes: 30 against Pachuca, 16 against Salzburg, one minute against Juve, and 23 against Dortmund. With that amount of playing time, it is difficult to prove that he deserves a place in Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, who during the tournament preferred an option such as Luka Modric as a luxury substitute, although it is true that the Croatian will no longer be an option during the season. The player has said on several occasions that he wants to play and if he does not get the opportunity at Real Madrid, he does not rule out seeking a role elsewhere.
The player has been on the chopping block for some time now, as he has not been a key player in the team since his injury, and the rise of Arda Güler in midfield, as well as the already confirmed signing of Mastantuono, could further complicate his situation. Although Bellingham will not be in the equation for a few months, the club must make decisions and signings are not ruled out.
Real Madrid wants a new midfielder
Xabi Alonso is very clear that his priority is a number 5. The Whites do not have a player like Toni Kroos in their squad, although Arda Güler has been filling that role with great performances in terms of offensive play and in games where everything has gone smoothly. However, against PSG, it was clear that the Turkish player still has things to work on, especially when his team is not in possession and the game is not going their way. Improving his defensive performance will be key, but the team needs someone who already has those characteristics in order to have alternatives.
That is why the possibility of going to the market in search of a complete midfielder has not been ruled out. The name of German player Angelo Stiller, who has a similar profile to Kroos, continues to appear on the list of names. Young talent such as Kees Smit is also on the agenda. Another name that is very popular, but with a price tag that is too high, is Argentine Mac Allister, who would cost €100 million.
Ceballos looks set to leave again this summer
Ceballos is back on the list of possible departures, especially after his performance in the Club World Cup. But as things stand today, if no signings are confirmed, it would be a risky decision to lose more players in midfield with the departure of Modric and the absence of Bellingham in the first part of the season. According to journalist José Félix Díaz, the Utrera-born player is only considering two options for the 2025/2026 season: continuing at Real Madrid, where he has a contract until 2027, or forcing a return to Sevilla to play for Real Betis once and for all. In the coming weeks, his future will be decided in another summer in which he is on the verge of leaving, as happened first with Zidane and then with Ancelotti, before finally staying with the Whites.