180-degree turn for Dani Ceballos: the midfielder will continue at Real Madrid

Dani Ceballos will not be able to close his signing with Olympique de Marseille after a pre-agreement between clubs. Only the Spaniard's signature was missing for the closing of the transfer, since the negotiations with Real Madrid had been fruitful, managing to agree on the conditions of the transfer.

According to various media, Ceballos informed the Marseille team that "he would take a moment to reflect", a situation that was not at all pleasing to the team led by Roberto De Zerbi. Finally, the Gauls closed the operation, interpreting this as a contempt from the player.

From Marseille to uncertainty: Ceballos' silence slows down his departure

The agreement between the 'Casa Blanca' and 'les minots' corresponded to a one-year loan with an obligation to buy that the French team would have to assume for the 2026/2027 season. There was talk in several sources that the final price for the player would be around 15 'kilos' that would be paid at the end of the 25/26 season.

However, Dani did not clearly see his arrival in Ligue 1. The 29-year-old player, on the other hand, seems to be opting to return to Betis, the club from which he came. The problem is that the 'verdiblancos' are not willing to accept the loan with mandatory purchase option proposed by the 'merengue' team.

The truth is that Ceballos knows that, at Real Madrid, he will have few opportunities to be a protagonist while Aurélien Tchouaméni performs at a high level. The Frenchman has taken over the pivot position with good performances in the last semester and, in addition, the squad has Eduardo Camavinga (now injured) as an alternative for the '5' position.

Xabi Alonso will continue to count on Dani Ceballos

In the press conference prior to the home match against Mallorca, Xabi Alonso spoke about Dani Ceballos' non-departure to Marseille. True to his custom, the Tolosarra ruled out any controversy, making it clear that he will count on the midfielder if he finally stays.

“Nothing changes. He has stayed here and is one more member of the squad. I am happy that he is here. The details of what has happened are better given by him, but it seems that the decision is final. The same role he was going to have he will continue to have. It doesn't change my vision of him", the coach pointed out.

Ceballos had said goodbye to the fans after the victory against Oviedo (0-3), but finally everything points to him continuing to be a Madrid player, at least until January 2026. The Utreran still has two years left on his contract, according to what was established in his last renewal in June 2023.