Real Madrid could keep hold of Dani Ceballos beyond the summer transfer window, with Los Blancos reportedly considering handing him a new deal.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, as relayed by Bernabeu Digital, Dani Ceballos might end up staying put at Real Madrid beyond the summer transfer window. The Merengues are weighing up the prospect of submitting a contract to the 25-year-old midfielder.
Dani Ceballos was widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe when he joined Real Madrid from Real Betis in July 2017. But the Spanish international failed to carve a place for himself within the first-team setup upon arriving from the Andalusian club, with Zinedine Zidane not fancying him much.
Ceballos subsequently joined Arsenal on loan in July 2019 before spending two seasons with the Gunners. But a mixed bag of a spell at the Emirates ended last summer, with the 25-year-old returning to Real Madrid. But a long-term ankle injury struck following the end of Spain’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games campaign, restricting his game-time considerably.
As a result, Ceballos has garnered only 186 minutes of game-time across 13 appearances thus far this term. But the last few games have suggested that a much-awaited turnaround could be on the cards for the player, with Carlo Ancelotti including him in some of Real Madrid’s most important games.
The Spaniard has also had a change of heart, with recent reports claiming that he is open to staying put at Real Madrid beyond the summer transfer window, with the allure of playing in the UEFA Champions League driving his decision. But Ceballos will need assurances of playing time, which Real Madrid might be able to offer, with Ancelotti keen on keeping hold of him going into the next season.
According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid could offer Ceballos a new contract, extending his stay by two or three years. With the 25-year-old midfielder’s deal running out on June 30. 2023, submitting a renewal makes sense as that will also strengthen Real Madrid’s negotiating power if they are to sell him.
The development will come as a blow to Real Betis, as the Andalusian club had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Madrid over a €15 million deal. Personal terms were not going to be a problem either, but Ceballos is seemingly set to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu.