Dani Ceballos
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
According to Real Madrid Confidencial, Dani Ceballos has formally requested to leave Real Madrid this summer in order to rejoin Real Betis.
It is to be noted that the midfielder has been on Betis’ radar for quite some time, with the club attempting to bring him back just last summer. However, a move never materialised due to the high asking price set by Los Blancos.
This time, the situation may be different. Betis have suffered a major blow with Isco’s recent long-term injury, leaving a significant gap in their midfield. The loss of their creative leader could push the club to reignite their pursuit of Ceballos.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Ceballos has struggled to establish himself as a key figure. Injuries and a lack of consistent trust from successive managers have left him on the fringes.
His departure has been discussed internally for some time, but the right opportunity had yet to arise.
With Isco sidelined, Ceballos now sees a real chance to return to his boyhood club. Reports suggest he is even willing to make financial sacrifices to make the deal possible, including reducing his sizeable Real Madrid salary.
Dani Ceballos
Dani Ceballos could move to Real Betis. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
This determination could be decisive in facilitating a transfer, especially given Betis’ limited budget.
Despite the renewed possibility, it is worth noting that this is not the first time Ceballos has hinted at a Betis comeback.
Over the past few years, the midfielder has often fuelled speculation about a return, only for a deal to fall through.
As a result, until there is an official announcement, his exit from Real Madrid remains in the realm of rumour.
If Betis do make a move, the transfer could benefit all parties. Ceballos would get the game time he craves, Betis would strengthen their midfield in Isco’s absence, and Madrid would offload a player who has been on the periphery for too long.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this long-talked-about reunion finally becomes a reality.
Xabi Alonso
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
According to MARCA, Real Madrid’s pre-season match against Austrian side WSG Tirol is set to provide an early glimpse into Xabi Alonso’s tactical thinking.
Despite the absence of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, it is said that the new manager has already been shaping his approach since the squad returned from their summer break.
The game in Innsbruck will be more than just a fitness exercise, as it will be a small window into how Alonso envisions his first season in charge.
The report highlights that while midfield options are currently limited, decisions in defence and attack will be closely watched.
With Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao now fully recovered from their injuries, Alonso faces an important choice in restoring two players who were previously considered untouchable under Carlo Ancelotti.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 25: Head coach Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid CF faces the media during a press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match against FC Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field on June 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has important decisions to make. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
In attack, the big question will be how he deploys Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe together. Selecting the right partner for the Brazilian and finding the right balance between the two superstars could be crucial in shaping Madrid’s offensive identity this season.
Two of Madrid’s four summer signings are still waiting for their turn to feature in for the team.
While Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have already made their Club World Cup debuts, Alvaro Carreras is set to step onto the pitch against Tirol.
Meanwhile, young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono is also among the fresh faces yet to fully integrate. However, it is to be noted that he will not play in this match.
Despite the new arrivals, Alonso’s ideal starting XI remains a work in progress. Midfield stands out as the area with the most uncertainty, both in terms of personnel and tactical balance.
The absence of Bellingham and Camavinga has made it clear that Madrid still need time to find the right blend in the centre of the pitch.