In the few short months that Xabi Alonso has been in charge at Real Madrid, we have already seen a number of changes from the old Carlo Ancelotti regime. Changes in the squad, in mindset, in identity, we are truly in a new era for Real Madrid.
One of the biggest changes has been with the squad. Many of the veteran players from the old generation and fringe players have departed the club and have been replaced with younger players to fit Xabi Alonso's system.
One of the players who has had speculation surrounding their future for the last few years is Dani Ceballos.
The midfielder has managed to stick around through a number of changes at the club and when given the chance he has played well.
However, with all the midfield depth at Real Madrid, his minutes will be even more limited this season. After Real's victory over Oviedo, Ceballos dropped a hint that his future may be away from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid midfielder poised to leave in unexpected transfer
As being reported by Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Marseille are in talks to sign midfielder Dani Ceballos before the summer transfer window closes.
The French club are looking for an initial loan deal with a buy option, however Los Blancos prefer a permanent sale, placing a €15 million valuation on the midfielder. No agreement has been reached yet and talks are ongoing.
Marseille see the Spaniard as a "dream signing" this summer and hope to convince him to make the switch. Ceballos would seem to be the replacement for Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe who have been told to leave the club after their locker room fight.
A Ceballos departure may not come as a surprise to many Real Madrid fans.
The 29-year-old has mostly been a substitute over the last few years and doesn't seem to be a key player in Xabi Alonso's plans going forward. The player posted an Instagram post after yesterday's game with the caption "the last dance", surely signaling his departure sometime this week.
With the transfer window closing in the next couple weeks, if Ceballos is sold, it remains to be seen if Real would have the time to sign a replacement to fill his place in the squad, or whether they will work with what they have for the season.