Dani Ceballos has regained importance at Real Madrid these last few weeks. The Spaniard has managed to secure a spot in Ancelotti's starting eleven, but it seems he still intends to leave. In the last few hours, a message has gone viral that seems to reflect his desire to return to his beloved Betis.
On Instagram, Dani Ceballos made a comment that hasn't been well-received at Real Madrid. It all stems from an AI-caused image featuring Pellegrini dressed as Santa Claus, Isco as Saint Joseph, and Vitor Roque as a baby. Adding a laughing emoji, the Madrid player replied: "Only one is missing to return for Christmas."
The truth is that Ceballos's situation has changed these last few weeks and it seems unlikely he wants to return to Betis in January. However, the situation could change next summer if he ends up without playing time again. It's a scenario that's always been considered, though it has never materialized.
Dani Ceballos's Move to Betis is Complicated: Two Reasons
The main obstacle for Dani Ceballos's return to Betis is the club itself. They don't have enough money to carry out a transfer and the only thing they offer is a loan, something Florentino Pérez doesn't accept. His salary doesn't help either, since Ceballos doesn't want to reduce it upon leaving Real Madrid.
The reality is this: Dani Ceballos is willing to return to Betis but not at any cost. What he wants is to be an undisputed starter, something they accept there, and to maintain the salary he has at Real Madrid. This is the main point of friction in the negotiations for his return.
Betis has a very high wage bill and it's really complicated for them to accommodate the salary Dani Ceballos wants to earn. They'll try again in January, although all parties know it's unlikely to lead to anything.
Another problem with Dani Ceballos is that Real Madrid only considers a transfer. They don't even want to hear about a loan, and the asking price is 10 million euros. In any case, Florentino Pérez might accept a loan with an obligation to buy, something Betis finds highly complicated.
We'll have to wait, but it is what it is. Despite Dani Ceballos's comment, it's highly complicated for him to leave Real Madrid to return to Betis.