Real Madrid midfielder closing on return to boyhood club but old wounds are complicating the deal | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos’ long-awaited return to Real Betis appears to be edging closer, with the Real Madrid midfielder now prepared to make significant sacrifices to complete the move.

After being granted his release by Real Madrid, Ceballos is expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent and return to the club where his professional career began. 

However, despite the willingness shown by both the player and Betis, the operation has not progressed as smoothly as many initially expected.

According to AS, there are still figures within the Real Betis hierarchy who have not fully moved on from the events of three years ago when Ceballos opted to extend his stay at Real Madrid instead of returning to the Benito Villamarin.

Ceballos ready to sacrifice millions for Betis move

The desire to return to Real Betis has never appeared stronger for Ceballos, who is prepared to walk away from nearly €5 million net in salary in order to make the transfer happen this summer. 

Despite receiving interest from elsewhere, including Ajax, the Spaniard has prioritised a return to Betis over any alternative destination.

Ceballos is set to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

From the outside, it may seem like a straightforward deal, but the situation remains complicated.

Why is that?

One of the biggest obstacles in the Dani Ceballos transfer involves lingering resentment from within parts of the Real Betis leadership.

It is said that some influential figures at the club have not forgotten what happened in 2023 when Ceballos approached the final months of his Real Madrid contract.

At the time, there was strong optimism that the midfielder would return. Instead, Ceballos chose to renew his contract with Real Madrid and remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for another four years.

That decision left a bitter taste among some directors.

Now, there is a belief in certain areas of the club that Ceballos kept both options open simultaneously, negotiating with Real Madrid while also maintaining conversations with Betis.

Betis are doubting Ceballos’ intentions. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

On the other hand, others inside the club understand why he made that choice.

At 29 years old, Ceballos was still competing for major trophies at one of the biggest clubs in world football while also remaining part of Spain’s plans. 

For many, extending his Real Madrid career was simply the logical sporting decision, but not everyone has completely moved on.

So what now?

Right now, Real Betis are hesitant about making Ceballos one of the highest-paid players in the squad. 

There are also discussions surrounding the signing bonus that typically accompanies a free transfer and those details still need to be resolved before the agreement can be completed.

From Ceballos’ side, there is a clear willingness to compromise, but he does not want his desire to return home to be interpreted as desperation and that is where the final negotiations become important.