Ajax close in on €6 million deal for forgotten Real Madrid midfielder | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos appears to be heading towards the Real Madrid exit door, with Ajax now closing in on an agreement that could finally bring an end to his difficult spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to an update from Matteo Moretto, negotiations between Real Madrid and Ajax are progressing well, with the Dutch giants emerging as the clear favourites to sign the Spanish midfielder this summer. 

The proposed transfer is expected to be worth around €6 million, a figure that would allow Madrid to move on a player who has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in recent years.

Ceballos entered the summer knowing his future likely lay away from the Spanish capital. 

Despite remaining a valued squad member at times, opportunities have become increasingly limited, and both player and club now appear ready to part ways.

Ajax advancing towards agreement

Ceballos is set to move to Ajax. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Ajax have been working on the operation, with their technical director Jordi Cruijff playing a key role in discussions. 

The Dutch club see the 29-year-old as an experienced addition capable of strengthening their midfield while also bringing valuable experience from both La Liga and European competition.

Although a return to Real Betis was reportedly the player’s preferred outcome, financial realities made such a move difficult. 

Ajax have instead moved quickly to position themselves at the front of the queue and are now close to securing an agreement.

Notably, the midfielder is also expected to accept a reduction in salary in order to complete the transfer, which shows his desire to play regularly again after a frustrating campaign at Real Madrid.

A difficult season for Ceballos

Ceballos hardly played at Real Madrid last season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Ceballos’ situation worsened towards the end of last season when he reportedly fell out of favour following an argument with Alvaro Arbeloa.

Since that incident, Ceballos has not featured for the first team and has effectively been left on the sidelines as the club planned for the future.

Last season, the Spaniard featured in just 16 La Liga matches and started only four of them. 

For a player entering what should be the peak years of his career, those figures simply are not enough, which is why a move to Ajax looks like a win-win situation.