Real Madrid outcast’s former club once again targets summer move – report | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos endured a disappointing campaign at Real Madrid, failing to establish himself under either Xabi Alonso or Alvaro Arbeloa.

With his role significantly reduced, his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu now seems closer than at any previous point since his arrival at the club back in 2017.

Real Betis back in for Ceballos

Now, according to AS, The name of Ceballos is once again expected to dominate discussions at Real Betis this summer. It has become one of the most recurring transfer stories in Spanish football. But this time around, the possibility appears more realistic than ever.

Despite the growing speculation, Real Betis have not yet made any concrete move to pursue the midfielder. Yet, the connection between the club and the midfielder remains intact.

Ceballos to return to Real Betis? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Throughout his career, Ceballos has never hidden his desire to return to Betis one day. The possibility of playing Champions League football with his boyhood club only adds further appeal to the idea.

Meanwhile, for years, the Verdiblancos’ president Angel Haro has openly acknowledged that the player’s future would likely cross paths with the club again at some stage.

Many within the institution hoped that reunion would happen sooner rather than later, but financial realities repeatedly prevented a deal from becoming viable. Those same financial obstacles remain the biggest challenge today.

The economic hurdle remains

Ceballos came very close to joining Marseille during the last summer transfer window for a fee reported to be above €11 million. That figure provides a clear indication of Real Madrid’s expectations.

Ceballos will leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Although the midfielder’s contract expires in 2027, Los Blancos are still expected to demand a transfer fee rather than facilitate an easy departure. Betis, meanwhile, continue to analyse their financial situation and explore potential player sales that could create room for a move.

At this stage, the Andalusian club is focused on balancing its books before committing significant resources to any major signing.

For years, the idea of Ceballos returning to Betis has felt more like an annual summer tradition than a realistic transfer possibility. Yet circumstances have shifted. But whether the numbers can finally be made to work remains the biggest question.