Real Madrid midfielder could leave as Real Betis and AS Monaco make late push | OneFootball

Two games into the new season and Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield pecking order already appears crystal clear.

Despite Toni Kroos’ departure, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham are the manager’s preferred options in the position with Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Brahim Diaz and Arda Güler sitting in the second tier.

Dani Ceballos, thus, is far from guaranteed minutes and the Spaniard is now coming to terms with the reality. As revealed by MARCA, a departure cannot be ruled out.

Two clubs pushing

Ceballos’ current contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2027 but it is clear that the player will not see the prominence he was promised at the time of his renewal. He is thus open to an exit and two clubs are said to be interested.

As revealed by the Spanish outlet, Monaco and Real Betis are the two clubs interested in signing the midfielder and have been pressing to sign him in recent weeks.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 06: Dani Ceballos #19 of Real Madrid reacts after scoring a goal against Chelsea during a pre-season friendly match at Bank of America Stadium on August 06, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The most feasible option as it stands would be a loan with an option to buy next summer and the coming days will be critical on that front.

While Monaco do not face any further hurdle, Los Verdiblancos must make a big sale in order to accommodate Ceballos and thus are not the best-placed party.

Ancelotti counts on the player

Despite giving the 28-year-old just 12 minutes in Real Madrid’s three games so far, Ancelotti is said to be counting on Ceballos for the coming season.

The management and administration, for their part, maintain that the player is not for sale and the Italian gaffer is determined to ensure that he wears white this season.

All eyes, thus, rest on the player who has the ball in his court. If Monaco and Betis continue to push with energy in the coming days, Ceballos’ departure could well become a reality.