Real Madrid faces a season marked by the highest demands in all competitions. However, not everything is good news for Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff. Dani Ceballos's situation is a serious concern in the Valdebebas offices.
The midfielder won't play again until Christmas, and the club already assumes that his departure in the winter transfer window is inevitable. In this scenario, the sporting management has already started working to find a reliable replacement.
Ceballos, without space in the squad
Ceballos never managed to establish himself as an important player at Real Madrid. Between injuries, inconsistency, and the enormous competition in midfield, the player from Utrera has gradually lost importance in the team's plans. The current situation is the final blow: his recovery will be extended until the end of the year and, meanwhile, the club is planning his definitive farewell.
Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez understand that it doesn't make sense to prolong a worn-out relationship. The player is looking for playing time and prominence, something he won't have at Madrid. For this reason, everything points to a transfer in January that will put an end to a period marked more by expectation than by reality.
Juni Calafat sets the machinery in motion
With Ceballos's departure on the horizon, Juni Calafat's name is once again at the forefront. The head of scouting has already started moving in the market, especially in Germany, where he has recently traveled to closely follow several emerging talents. His goal is clear: to find a young midfielder, with potential, who can adapt to Real Madrid's style.
The club doesn't want to repeat past mistakes and is looking for a strategic signing, thinking about both the present and the future. The success of operations like those of Bellingham, Vinícius, or Rodrygo supports Calafat's method, who prefers to get ahead of Europe's giants before prices skyrocket.
Three hidden names on the agenda
The published information indicates that there are three hidden names under direct observation by Real Madrid. Young players, with international projection, and a profile that fits the club's transfer policy.
One of them is the Swede Hugo Larsson, a midfielder from Eintracht Frankfurt, whom Calafat has already watched live.
The other two footballers are Kees Smit and Adam Wharton. Madrid is working cautiously and doesn't want leaks that could drive up the price of the deals. What is clear is that the club is working with the expectation that Ceballos will leave in January and that the midfield will need to be reinforced quickly.
Florentino's plan
Florentino Pérez's strategy is clear: to have the signing closed before Ceballos's departure is confirmed. This way, Madrid would avoid improvisation and ensure an immediate reinforcement. The goal is to repeat the formula that has worked so many times for the club: to sign young talent before it fully explodes.
Ceballos's future seems written and the machinery is already in motion. Real Madrid is making moves to avoid falling behind and is preparing a signing that could make a big impact in the winter transfer window.
Meta description
Real Madrid takes it for granted that Ceballos will leave in January and is already looking for a replacement. Juni Calafat has three hidden names on the agenda, with Hugo Larsson as the main candidate.