Dani Ceballos rejects move to Saudi Arabia to swap Real Madrid for Real Betis
Dani Ceballos is set to leave Real Madrid this summer, but the Spanish midfielder has made it clear he will not be taking his career to Saudi Arabia. Instead, the 28-year-old is pushing for a return to Real Betis, the club where he came through the youth ranks and made his professional debut.
According to Fichajes.net, Ceballos has informed intermediaries that his sole destination preference is the Andalusian side, despite receiving interest from Saudi clubs willing to offer significantly higher wages. Betis have yet to submit an official proposal, but the player’s stance is expected to accelerate negotiations in the coming weeks.
Madrid Set Asking Price
Real Madrid have made Ceballos available for transfer, valuing him at €10 million a figure that matches his current Transfermarkt valuation. However, president Florentino Pérez is believed to be seeking a deal worth up to €15 million, although sources suggest the club could accept a lower sum to facilitate a move.
Ceballos, who joined Madrid in 2017 from Betis, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under multiple managers. With the arrival of new midfield reinforcements, his role in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans has further diminished.
Strong Betis Connection
The Andalusian club has maintained long-standing interest in bringing Ceballos back to the Estadio Benito Villamarín. He made his LaLiga debut for Betis in April 2014 during a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, going on to play 105 matches for the club, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists across three seasons.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini is understood to be a driving force behind the potential reunion, with the club’s supporters also welcoming the prospect of his return.
Next Steps
While Saudi Arabia’s financially lucrative approach has been firmly dismissed, Betis must now decide whether they can meet Madrid’s demands. With the summer transfer window entering a decisive phase, both clubs are expected to engage in talks before the end of August.
If successful, the deal would mark a homecoming for Ceballos and potentially one of Betis’s most significant signings of the window.
