La Liga duo Villarreal and Real Betis are reportedly involved in a transfer tussle to sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid in the summer.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Dani Ceballos is the subject of interest from Villarreal and Real Betis over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Spanish midfielder could leave Real Madrid to seek regular game-time in the 2022/23 season.
Dani Ceballos’s growth has stunted since joining Real Madrid from Real Betis in July 2017. The 25-year-old was one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe back then but has made slow progress at the Santiago Bernabeu, with a two-year loan stint at Arsenal producing mixed results.
2021/22 was a difficult season for the Spaniard as he did not even manage 400 minutes of game-time across 18 appearances, with a long-term ankle injury hampering his campaign. And Ceballos faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, with his widespread reports making contrasting claims about his situation.
The Spanish international seemed destined to leave Real Madrid for a long time. But recent reports have suggested that the Merengues are considering keeping hold of the player beyond the summer transfer window. And Ceballos also seems to have had a change of heart in the last few months.
After initially looking to call it quits at Real Madrid, Ceballos has opened up to the prospect of staying put at the Santiago Bernabeu. But with his future still not set in stone, two La Liga clubs, Real Betis and Villarreal have shown interest in securing his services in the summer transfer window.
The links with Real Betis have simmered for a long time, with reports even suggesting that personal terms will not be an issue. Andres Guardado is well into his thirties, and Ceballos could be a viable long-term successor. Meanwhile, Villarreal could do with a young midfielder, with Dani Parejo, Etienne Capoue and Francis Coquelin on the wrong side of 30.
Ceballos will soon take a call on his future, and he could remain at Real Madrid heading into the 2022/23 season. But with Real Betis and Villarreal trying to prise him away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window, a move across La Liga could also be on the horizon.
