Real Madrid have said goodbye to Toni Kroos, with the German legend deciding to retire from the game while still performing at the top level. Yet, it looks like Los Blancos are not looking to bring in a replacement this summer and will most probably stick with the options they already have, as they have done so many times in the past.
Real Madrid's midfield is full of talent at the moment. They have players like Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos.
It goes without saying that it is not easy getting game time at Real Madrid when there is such competition for three or four spots in the starting XI. And it is no wonder that Ceballos did not feature much last season despite having a solid 22/23 campaign and signing a contract extension after that.
Naturally, Ceballos was linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Atletico Madrid were believed to be interested in the midfielder. A return to Real Betis was believed to be a possibility as well. But it looks like the Spaniard has decided to stay put for the time being.
Real Madrid midfielder decides to stay and not listen to offers
As reported by AS, Carlo Ancelotti met with Ceballos before the players went on holiday to make it clear that he is counting on him for this season. He is staying and he has not wanted to listen to offers.
Ceballos is 28 years of age. He needs to be playing week in and week out. The chances of that happening at Real Madrid look slim to none at the moment. But he seems to have chosen to stay and give it another go. That should be applauded.
Let's see how much playing time Ceballos ends up getting this season. You never know, with Kroos no longer at the club and Real Madrid's terrible luck with injuries, a door of opportunity might open up at any time. He just needs to be ready to take it, if or when the opportunity comes knocking.