Most of the talk surrounding Real Madrid this month has been focused on elections and possible signings, but after an unsuccessful season, Los Blancos will be looking to offload a number of players too. Near the top of that list is likely Dani Ceballos, who for some time has been a bit-part player for Los Blancos.
Ceballos, 29, has been linked with an exit almost every summer for the past three to four years, despite renewing his deal during that time until 2027. It means he has just a year left on his contract, and Los Blancos will be keen to bring in some sort of compensation for him before he leaves on a free. Ceballos has frequently hinted that he would like to return to former club Real Betis, and was on the verge of a loan move to Olympique Marseille this season, but ended up backing out of the deal.
Dani Ceballos closing in on Ajax deal
Image via AFP7 vía Europa PressEuropa Press
It does appear that he could finally be on the verge of leaving though. Marca report that he is ‘very close’ to signing for Ajax this summer. There were initial links to the Dutch giants when it became clear that Jordi Cruyff would be taking over as the new sporting director in Amsterdam. Since, Michel Sanchez has been appointed as manager, and has spoken with Ceballos. The deal would likely be worth around €6m.
Ceballos time at Real Madrid to end after seven years
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In total, Ceballos has been at Real Madrid for seven seasons, interrupted by two years on loan at Arsenal. The Spain international has never been able to make it as a starter at Real Madrid though, often playing a rotational role. In total he has made 215 appearances, scoring seven times and giving 16 assists, but this season has been one of his least involved. Making just 23 appearances, he played only 826 minutes, and an apparent falling out with manager Alvaro Arbeloa robbed him of the chance to bid farewell to the Bernabeu in the final game of the season.