Real Madrid agrees to negotiate with Dani Ceballos and asks for €30 Million for the midfielder
Spanish midfielder seeks regular playing time ahead of 2026 World Cup
Real Madrid has officially put Dani Ceballos on the market and is willing to negotiate his transfer during the current window. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, the club has set a price tag of €30 million, as they consider offers for the 28-year-old midfielder.
No formal offers yet
Despite strong interest from several European clubs, no team has submitted a formal bid so far. Madrid’s valuation is considered steep by potential buyers, potentially complicating an immediate exit. Still, with the transfer window open, negotiations could intensify in the coming weeks.
Ceballos is open to leaving in search of more consistent playing time, especially with his eyes on a return to the Spanish national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He hopes that regular minutes will boost his chances of being called up by manager Luis de la Fuente.
Limited playing time under Xabi Alonso
The Spanish midfielder has found opportunities scarce under manager Xabi Alonso. Even during the Club World Cup, where Eduardo Camavinga was sidelined due to injury, Luka Modrić was favored instead—despite the Croatian being in the final stages of his Real Madrid career.
This lack of minutes, even amid a midfield transition, has left Ceballos frustrated. The current pecking order suggests he remains low in Alonso’s rotation, making a transfer increasingly likely if Madrid receives a suitable offer.
Real Madrid balancing squad depth with transfer ambitions
Madrid’s decision on Ceballos may hinge on whether the club is able to bring in a new midfielder before the end of the transfer window. The coaching staff has already notified the board of the need for reinforcements, but no deals have been completed to date.
Unless a new signing arrives, the club could choose to retain Ceballos as a depth option, especially given the risk of injuries in a long season across multiple competitions.
