Real Madrid reject exit-bound midfielder’s request to leave on a free transfer – report | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos appears increasingly likely to leave Real Madrid this summer, but the Spanish midfielder’s preferred route out of the club has been turned down by the La Liga giants.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 29-year-old has informed Real Madrid of his desire to move on before the start of the new season and is pushing for a return to familiar surroundings, particularly Real Betis. 

However, despite being open to parting ways with the player, Los Blancos are not prepared to let him leave without receiving a transfer fee.

With only one year remaining on his current deal, Ceballos proposed a solution that would allow him to depart as a free agent. 

Real Madrid, though, have made their position clear and are demanding a fee before sanctioning any transfer.

Real Madrid unwilling to grant free transfer

The report states that Ceballos suggested waiving the final year of his contract in exchange for being released without a transfer fee. 

Ceballos wants to play for Real Betis. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Such an arrangement would have made it easier for interested clubs to complete a deal, although Real Madrid have rejected that proposal.

The club’s hierarchy values the midfielder at around €7-8 million and does not intend to lose him for nothing despite his contract entering its final year. 

While Ceballos is no longer considered a key figure in the squad, the club believe there is still enough market interest to generate a reasonable return from his departure.

The situation has created a stand-off, with the player keen to move and Real Madrid insisting that any exit must come on their terms.

Real Betis remain Ceballos’ preferred destination

On that note, a return to Real Betis has emerged as the midfielder’s priority.

Real Betis will not pay Real Madrid’s asking price for Ceballos. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The report claims Ceballos has already communicated his intentions to the sporting departments involved, making it clear that he would welcome a move back to the club where he first made his name.

However, Betis are unwilling to match Real Madrid’s demands, with the Andalusian side prepared to pay only a symbolic fee, creating a significant gap between the two clubs’ valuations.

As things stand, any return to the Benito Villamarin will likely require further negotiations, and unless one side softens its stance, reaching an agreement could prove complicated in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Ajax have also entered the picture. The Dutch club are believed to have shown concrete interest and are close to agreeing a deal worth slightly more than €6 million with Real Madrid.

Despite that development, Ceballos appears unconvinced, and it is believed that a move to Eredivisie is not among his preferred options this summer.