Dani Ceballos finds himself in a complicated situation at Real Madrid. The player would welcome a move away from the club, and despite the fact that he is a valuable member of the squad, the club’s management does not want players who are unhappy at the club. However, there are many factors that make it difficult for him to leave this summer and continue his career away from the Spanish capital.
Ceballos and his situation at Real Madrid
Dani Ceballos is in his eighth season at Real Madrid, but during these years, his role in the team has always been questioned and he has almost never fit into the coaches’ plans. Perhaps last season was when he had the most prominence: Ancelotti gave him the stripes he had never had before within the team, and he responded with play and hard work, something the team had been missing since Toni Kroos left the midfield orphaned. But the injury he suffered against Real Sociedad in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey prevented him from being with the team in the decisive stretch of the season.
However, the player was aware that his status at Real Madrid had grown, and he eagerly awaited the arrival of Xabi Alonso on the bench for the Club World Cup, believing that he could have his big chance to establish himself in midfield. But the Basque coach had other plans, and for the time being, he has opted to give Arda Güler a chance in the hope that a reinforcement will arrive in August.
Not only has he found himself with a trick up his sleeve, but he has also seen his participation in the World Cup reduced, despite the obvious problems in this position on the pitch. All this has led Dani Ceballos to consider leaving once again, because he wants playing time, because he wants to feel like a starter and important within a team again.
Real Madrid and the sale of Ceballos
The club finds itself in a complicated situation. They do not want to have a disgruntled player in the squad and are willing to sell him, but not at any price. Xabi Alonso has already said that he will count on him if he stays, but he is willing to let him go if another player can be brought in to fill his place. However, the board is not considering giving the player away for free. The offers that have reached the offices in Valdebebas are insufficient, well below what the club would have to invest to reinforce his departure. They are willing to consider offers starting at $20 million, but not less.
Real Madrid are on the same wavelength as Xabi Alonso and know that Ceballos‘ departure could be a problem for a team that is short of midfielders. The departure of Luka Modric, Bellingham’s absence until October, and the difficulty of finding a replacement in the market mean that caution is required.
Real Madrid want to sell Dani Ceballos, but not at any price. If any club wants to sign the Andalusian footballer, they will have to put money on the table and pay for him, because he is a quality player, an important player, and his departure would cause another rift in the team. For the time being, Xabi Alonso will be able to count on him from Monday in Valdebebas, when the first-team players return to training to prepare for the start of the new season.