MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 24: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid shows appreciation to the fans after the team's 2-0 victory following the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 24: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid shows appreciation to the fans after the team's 2-0 victory following the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Dani Ceballos is at a decisive point in his career. The Real Madrid midfielder does not have a a major role in new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans for next season.
So, even though he still has two years left on his contract, the Spaniard is beginning to accept that his immediate future could be away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although the summer transfer market offers several possibilities, Ceballos is considering only one: wearing the Real Betis shirt once again, reports Fichajes.
Real Betis are the club where the 29-year-old midfielder grew up and with which he maintains a sentimental connection he has never hidden.
The Real Madrid coaching staff’s plan heading into the new season is to restructure the midfield and, within that framework, Ceballos does not have a significant role.
In this scenario, the desire to return to Real Betis has gained strength, although the move will depend largely on the conditions that the Spanish capital club set for his departure.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 26: Gonzalo Garcia #30 of Real Madrid C.F. celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Dani Ceballos #19 of Real Madrid C.F. during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Real Madrid CF at Lincoln Financial Field on June 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Ceballos wants to return to Real Betis. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Ceballos believes that Real Betis is the ideal place to rediscover his best form. The midfielder wants to feel important within a competitive project and believes that the team’s playing style suits his qualities perfectly.
Real Betis, for their part, are monitoring Ceballos’ situation closely, but they are aware that the financial aspect could be a major obstacle. The Verdiblancos operate with a tight budget for signings and would be unable to meet a high transfer fee.
The player’s determination to join them could work in their favour, but everything will depend on whether Real Madrid are willing to ease their demands.
Real Madrid do not rule out his departure, provided they obtain a reasonable financial return. Ceballos has already communicated internally that his intention is to move to Real Betis, which could speed up talks if all parties agree on the terms.
In the meantime, other clubs have approached the midfielder, but he has made it clear that his priority will not change.
UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 13: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images
UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 13: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Cristian Romero on Real Madrid’s radars. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)