Dani Ceballos is clear about it: if he leaves Real Madrid, he's only thinking about going to Betis. The decision is firm and he has conveyed it to Florentino Pérez, telling him that he doesn't intend to accept any other offer. He is open to leaving, as long as it's to return to the capital of Andalusia, where he was developed and has always been so happy.
He has experienced different stages since he arrived at Real Madrid and now he has many doubts about his continuity. The arrival of Xabi Alonso seemed like it was going to change his role in the squad, but the reality is that he won't be relevant for him. With things as they are, a possible move to Betis is gaining momentum and can't be ruled out.
Florentino sets the price
In this regard, Florentino has no problem letting him leave for another LaLiga team, but he has set a condition. He doesn't want to lose money with Dani Ceballos's departure and has demanded "an offer of 15 million euros" (€15 million). This is the minimum price the president of Real Madrid is asking for his departure, according to what "Madrid-Barcelona" has been able to confirm.
He is 29 years old and is entering a decisive phase of his career. He has received interest from several clubs, including from Saudi Arabia, but Ceballos is clear about it: he'll only leave Real Madrid to return to Betis.
Complicated career
Dani Ceballos's career at Real Madrid has been marked by irregular stages since he arrived in the summer of 2018. Coming from Betis, the Andalusian landed at Bernabéu as one of the great prospects of Spanish soccer... but he has never managed to establish himself as a key player in the white squad.
In his first season, Ceballos had some opportunities, but the competition in midfield was too fierce and he ended up accumulating fewer minutes than expected. In 2019, the club decided to loan him to Arsenal, where he stayed for two years. In London, he showed flashes of his quality, although he also didn't reach the consistency needed to become undisputed.
Upon his return to Real Madrid, Dani Ceballos experienced a brief period in which Ancelotti seemed to trust him, giving him prominence in certain stretches of the season. However, those opportunities were fleeting, and he soon returned to a secondary role within the squad.
Currently, with Xabi Alonso in charge of the first team, Ceballos's situation hasn't changed much. The Basque coach appreciates his technical quality and his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, but he doesn't see him as a relevant piece within the project.
With a valid contract, Dani Ceballos's future remains uncertain. What does seem clear is that his time at Real Madrid has been marked more by irregularity than by definitive consolidation.