2 winners and 2 losers from Toni Kroos staying at Real Madrid

3. Dani Ceballos (loser)

Dani Ceballos has until 2027 remaining on his Real Madrid contract. However, given his lack of game-time, he could be shifted from the Spanish capital sooner than 2027. This season, Ceballos has racked up a measly one La Liga start. Coming off the bench in another 13 matches, Ceballos is surely at the stage of his career where he seeks more game-time.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, Toni Kroos extending his stay in Madrid will only keep Ceballos in the same hierarchical position. He will continue to rot away on the bench, despite entering the peak of his physical powers.

Ceballos is already on thin ice between now and the end of the season. As much as he is a team player, he is bound to feel hard-done-by to not start many matches this season. Unfortunately, he is growing surplus to requirements and this contract extension for Toni Kroos is not promising for him.

Continued on the next slide...