Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos set for Marseille move after loan agreement | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan with an obligation to buy (h/t Foot Mercato).

The Spanish international is expected to complete a temporary deal, with Marseille committed to making the move permanent next summer for a fee of less than €15 million.

The 29-year-old has been seeking regular first-team football after struggling for opportunities in Madrid’s crowded midfield.

Although the former Real Betis man initially hoped for a return to his boyhood club, they were unable to afford his wages, leaving Marseille a free run at him.

The player signalled his intention to leave earlier this week with a cryptic ‘last dance’ post on social media after Madrid’s 3-0 win against Oviedo, although he later deleted the caption.

Ceballos has made 194 appearances for Real Madrid since joining in 2017, bagging seven goals and 16 assists. He has rarely been a consistent starter.

Competition from Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni has pushed him further down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso.

Marseille view Ceballos as an important signing who can provide technical quality and top-level experience in Ligue 1 and European competition.

The midfielder has won three Champions League titles with Madrid and earned 13 caps for Spain, bringing pedigree to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Club president Pablo Longoria moved quickly to secure the deal once it became clear Ceballos wanted to join, with the player reportedly pressing Madrid to sanction the move.

Madrid now face questions over whether they will look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer deadline.

Ceballos is expected to finalise his move in the coming days, becoming Marseille’s latest high-profile addition of the summer.