The situation of Dani Ceballos at Real Madrid remains one of the great unknowns in the white locker room. In the final days of the summer transfer window, the midfielder had everything in place to leave for Olympique de Marseille. The deal was ready: a loan with a mandatory purchase clause of €15 million. However, when it seemed that only the official announcement was missing, it was the footballer himself who stepped back and halted the agreement.
The unexpected last-minute twist
Marseille was counting on his arrival and Real Madrid viewed the deal favorably, as it meant recovering part of the investment made several years ago. However, Dani Ceballos changed his mind at the last moment. His desire was to keep fighting for a place at Madrid, even if it meant a secondary role under Xabi Alonso's orders.
The decision surprised people at Valdebebas and at the French club itself, which quickly had to look for an alternative to strengthen its midfield.
A team waits
Although the transfer window has already closed, Dani Ceballos's future continues to generate debate. Reports from Italy claim that Juventus is preparing an offensive to sign the player in the next January window. The proposal is clear: to offer him an undisputed starting spot in the Bianconeri's line-up.
La Vecchia Signora believes that his quality and experience in LaLiga and in Spain can give the team a step up in Serie A and in European competitions.
A goal in mind
One of the most important factors in the Utrera native's decision is the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Dani Ceballos knows that he needs consistency and minutes to convince Luis de la Fuente and earn a spot in Spain's squad.
At Real Madrid he doesn't have that prominence guaranteed. With the presence of Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, and Arda Güler, opportunities are limited to brief appearances in minor matches. Juventus, meanwhile, offers him the chance to be a leader in midfield and an ideal platform to regain his best form.
A dilemma to solve
There is a division of opinions at Chamartín. On one hand, some believe that it's time to let go of a player who has never managed to establish himself in the starting eleven. On the other, there are those who think that his quality and work ethic can be useful during the season, especially during rotation periods.
The ball is in Dani Ceballos's court. He will have to decide between continuing to fight at Madrid with a secondary role or taking a step forward in his career with a change of scenery.
What is clear is that Juventus is opening a door for him that could change everything...