Real Madrid has several cases to solve in the final stretch of the transfer window. Xabi Alonso has arrived with very clear ideas, knowing perfectly well who he counts on and who he doesn't. In recent hours, contacts from Saudi Arabia have intensified, trying to close a signing that no one expected.
Specifically, Al-Ittihad has stepped up to secure the signing of Dani Ceballos. A substitute in the first matchday of La Liga, the financial offer is very good in an attempt to convince all parties involved. At 29, the Andalusian could sign his last major contract, being an option that could satisfy him as long as the remuneration is appropriate.
On a purely sporting level, Al-Ittihad is the reigning champion of the Saudi Super League, although this season hasn't started too well. There, Ceballos would reunite with a former Madrid teammate of Benzema's caliber, who would be contacting him to get his final "yes, I do".
Madrid asks for 20 million
What Florentino is clear about is that he doesn't intend to make any exit easy, no matter how much of a substitute Dani Ceballos is. If he ends up leaving, it will be for a price that benefits Real Madrid. In this regard, "Madrid-Barcelona" has learned that he is valued at 20 million euros (€20,000,000), an amount that Saudi Arabia would have no problem paying.
Now, the final decision of a Ceballos who has many doubts remains to be seen. At all times, he has made it clear that, if he ends up leaving Madrid, he would head to Betis. So far, the team of his dreams hasn't made an offer of that caliber, which makes his departure difficult.
Dani Ceballos, situation in doubt
Dani Ceballos's career at Real Madrid has never been easy and his current situation proves it once again. The midfielder has just turned 29 and still hasn't achieved the continuity he always dreamed of at Santiago Bernabéu. The start of the new season has sent a clear message: Xabi Alonso doesn't fully count on him.
In the first league match, which ended with a white victory, Ceballos was a substitute and didn't get any prominence. A substitute role that could become the norm, given the high level of competition in midfield. With footballers like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, or Arda Güler, the options for the Utrera native are reduced to a minimum.
The player keeps his technical quality and his ability to move the team with good judgment intact, but the reality is that Xabi Alonso's plan doesn't seem to have him as a priority piece. In fact, the club is studying possible offers in the final stretch of the transfer window, although nothing is known for now.
Dani Ceballos's time at Madrid has been marked by ups and downs, injuries, and a loan to Arsenal that didn't allow him to settle either. Now, on the verge of turning thirty, he faces perhaps his most delicate moment as a Madridist. The immediate future is uncertain and everything will depend on whether he manages to earn a place in the coach's plans or ends up leaving.