Real Madrid plan to replace wantaway midfielder with academy duo | OneFootball

As reported earlier today, Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is eager to leave the club this summer.

The Spanish midfielder is eager to play regularly, something that has been an issue throughout his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As such, even though he signed a new four-year contract in 2023, Ceballos is now leaning towards an exit, even though the club wish to retain his services.

Real Madrid’s plan to replace Ceballos

If Ceballos does end up getting his wishes and leaves Real Madrid, the club do not plan on signing a replacement this summer, reports The Athletic.

Indeed, even though Toni Kroos has already retired and Ceballos might end up leaving now, there are no plans to sign a new midfielder in the transfer window.

Instead, Real Madrid will promote one of their enterprising young midfielders from the Castilla setup in Nico Paz or Mario Martin, the report states.

Mario Martin could have a first-team spot next season. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Both Nico and Martin have tasted first-team football under Ancelotti during the season gone by and have proven themselves capable and ready to make the step up from the reserve team to the senior setup.

As such, if Ceballos does end up bidding goodbye this summer, Real Madrid will likely promote one of Nico or Martin to the senior setup while it is not entirely ruled out that both have increased roles under Ancelotti.

Nico Paz, 19, made his first-team debut for Real Madrid in November last year and has since gone on to feature eight times, even scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League.

Mario Martin, 20, made his first senior appearance in a Madrid derby in January 2023 and has played four times in total for Ancelotti’s side.

Real Madrid have no shortage of talent and quality in their midfield department. But if Ceballos ends up moving on, one or both of Nico and Martin could end up featuring more in Ancelotti’s plans.