The transfer market hasn't officially opened yet, but some names are already on everyone's lips. One of them is Dani Ceballos. When everything pointed to a possible return to Real Betis, new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has stepped forward, and his message has been clear and direct.
A repeated desire at VillamarĆn
Every summer, Dani Ceballos's name comes up again in Seville. Specifically, in the halls of Benito VillamarĆn. Betis has dreamed of his return for years, and this summer wasn't going to be the exception.
The possible departure of William Carvalho and the arrival of Johnny Cardoso open up space in the green-and-white midfield. Ceballos would fit perfectly; he's liked by the sporting management and part of the fans. However, there are two major obstacles: the salary and the cost of his transfer.
Betis has a clear financial cap; Isco is the highest-paid player, and they're not allowed to exceed that limit. Ceballos's salary at Real Madrid is far from that margin. In addition, the white club won't let him leave for free.
Xabi Alonso clears up doubts
In his first meeting as Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso wanted to make things clear. "We've talked these days, he has quality and understanding of the game," he said about the Andalusian midfielder.
Although he didn't play in the first match of the Club World Cup, Alonso explained it calmly: "He'll have a role during the year, we count on him." The message is forceful and leaves little room for speculation.
This support, for now, stops the rumors about a possible departure. Although in soccer, as always, nothing is definitive.
Ceballos wants to play
Dani Ceballos's case isn't just contractual or tactical; it's also personal. The player wants to feel important; he doesn't want to spend another year on the bench. This already happened to him with Ancelotti; he did play, yes, but only intermittently.
He knows he's at a key age; he wants minutes, prominence, continuity. If Xabi Alonso's project guarantees it, he'll accept it. But if in a few weeks he feels sidelined again, the situation could change.
Anything can happen
Real Madrid has a new coach and, with him, new roles arrive. Today, Xabi Alonso confirms that he counts on Ceballos. But the summer is long, and the market hasn't started yet.
At Betis, no decision has been made; there's interest, yes. But there are also many barriers: the salary, the cost, the priority of strengthening other positionsā¦
Ceballos, meanwhile, waits, trains, listens, and analyzes. Because in soccer, what seems settled today could be hanging in the air tomorrow. For now, he stays, but the twist has already happened. Xabi Alonso has changed the script; now we have to see if that promised role is fulfilled.