Dani Ceballos reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Aston Villa before renewing terms with Real Madrid.
According to a report from Defensa Central, Dani Ceballos had the opportunity to join Aston Villa, who were prepared to offer him an €8 million-a-year contract. But he has chosen to stay put at Real Madrid.
The Spanish midfielder has ended up signing a new contract with Real Madrid despite no guarantees of first-team action. Real Madrid are well-stocked in the midfield department, and they have seven central midfielders at their disposal right now.
According to reports, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer of the Spanish midfielder, and he wanted Ceballos to sign a new contract with the club and stay at Santiago Bernabeu. Apparently, he has promised the player that he will be an important member of the first-team squad next season.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old has formed a close bond with the Real Madrid fans as well, who have appreciated his work ethic and commitment towards the team. And his performances this past season had captured the attention of Aston Villa.
Aston Villa will now have to look elsewhere to bring in midfield reinforcements. It is no secret that the Villans will have to improve their squad, and they need to bring in someone who can control the tempo of the game and recycle possession.
Aston Villa will be competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season. So they need a bigger and better squad to do well on multiple fronts. Signing a quality central midfielder should be a top priority for Unai Emery.
Ceballos would have been a superb acquisition for them. But clearly, the 26-year-old did not fancy a move to the West Midlands club. Aston Villa already have Douglas Luiz and John McGinn at their disposal and need to sign another quality player before the window closes. Meanwhile, Ceballos will be hoping to work hard and force his way into the starting lineup more often than not next season.
Also Read: Jude Bellingham And Reshaping Real Madrid’s Midfield Identity
Real Madrid recently completed the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, and the England international will be a guaranteed starter for them. It remains to be seen whether Ceballos can carve out of place for himself in the starting lineup next season.
