Dani Ceballos has a contract running till 2027, but the situation he is in might not see him remain at the club until then. He's one of the players Real Madrid should want to sell this summer.
He is not getting the minutes he wants and, so far under Xabi Alonso, has only been brought on in the closing stages of games to calm the tempo and give rest to those who played the full match.
Little nuance is expected from Ceballos, and that is not the kind of football he wants to play. It is, of course, not clear whether the player is dissatisfied and wants a transfer, it may be that he is content with his current role.
But in case he wants out, one of the most likely places he would land has now closed the doors.
Ceballos is celebrated at Betis. He has made over 100 appearances for the Spanish club and has spent valuable time in their lower ranks as well.
Real Betis president may not want Dani Ceballos anymore
According to Diario AS, Real Betis president Angel Haro has admitted that there were opportunities in previous summers to bring Ceballos back from Madrid, but they are not interested in revisiting that move this time, at least for now.
At present, the Verdiblancos are not eyeing their former star. They seem to be done with the back-and-forth saga around the same player and might want to close that chapter for good.
Again, Ceballos’ side of the story remains unknown. And if Diario AS is to be believed, the Spaniard is actually convinced that he will earn a regular position under Xabi Alonso with time. Although Xabi may not count on him for the long term as of now.
He has been a calming presence in the Club World Cup and has brought a lot of control in the closing minutes.
It may be that Xabi chooses to give him more trust and minutes. We can never predict possible injuries or shifts in the squad, and Ceballos could once again prove to be a savior, just as he did last season.