Despite Real Madrid’s “no-buy, no-sell” policy in the recent January window, the atmosphere behind the scenes at Valdebebas is far from calm. Key fringe players Dani Ceballos and Fran García are reportedly pushing for departures after seeing their first-team opportunities vanish under Carlo Ancelotti.
Ceballos Waiting for Betis “Green Light”
According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Dani Ceballos was ready to pack his bags in January. The 29-year-old midfielder has never managed to solidify a starting role since his 2017 arrival from Real Betis, often finding himself as a secondary option even during the club’s Champions League-winning campaigns.
A return to his boyhood club, Real Betis, remains Ceballos’ top priority. While a winter move failed to materialise due to Betis’ financial constraints, the midfielder is expected to force the issue again in June. With a market value of just €8 million, Ceballos is seen as a bargain for La Liga sides, despite his decorated trophy cabinet.
Fran García’s Bournemouth Heartbreak
While Ceballos’ situation is one of patience, Fran García’s case has reached a boiling point. The Spanish left-back was reportedly “one step away” from joining Premier League side Bournemouth in January.
The deal was so advanced that García had already said his goodbyes to teammates at the training ground. However, a last-minute veto from the Real Madrid board blocked the move, a decision that left the player “distressed” and training separately from the main group for a short period. García sees the Premier League as the only way to revitalise a career that has stagnated on the Madrid bench.
The Summer Clear-out
With both players unhappy, Real Madrid management will likely have to soften their stance in the summer window. The club is already scouting potential replacements, but for now, Ceballos and García must remain professional in a squad that is increasingly looking toward a major 2026 overhaul.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
