Real Madrid midfielder could have joined Villarreal in the summer – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid face off against Villarreal later tonight in La Liga, hoping to reclaim top position in the table, at least provisionally.

Manager Xabi Alonso has some major selection decisions to make ahead of the game, especially in midfield where he has plenty of resources but only three spots to fill.

Dani Ceballos, for one, is also making a push for more action after coming very close to a summer departure to Olympique de Marseille.

Before the Marseille transfer saga, though, it appears that the Spaniard found himself on the radars of Villarreal.

Villarreal wanted Ceballos in the summer

Indeed, according to Defensa Central, a few months ago, shortly after the transfer market opened in the summer, Villarreal expressed interest in signing Ceballos.

The Yellow Submarine saw him as an important player to strengthen the midfield and were prepared to pay the €15 million that Real Madrid demanded for his transfer.

Ceballos could have joined Villarreal. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

However, at that time, Ceballos was only thinking about the option of returning to Real Betis and decided not to respond to the interest shown by Marcelino’s side.

Later, as mentioned earlier, Marseille came close to signing him, but in the end, the player withdrew from the deal.

Ceballos has now remained at Real Madrid and is playing a rotational role, but Xabi Alonso is giving him importance, as he has a unique profile within the squad.

The manager values the Spanish international’s hard work during training and his performances in matches, like the one against Kairat Almaty.

Having secured his 150th win with Real Madrid against the Kazakhstan-based side this week, Ceballos will be hoping to add to that tally tonight.