Real Madrid midfielder not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans; likely to leave | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s shock exit from the FIFA Club World Cup has left many question marks over the future of some of the star player.

Rodrygo, for one, has already been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu, even though he has yet to face any pressure from the club to leave.

One player who could be pressurised into leaving the club this summer is Dani Ceballos, who wasn’t able to make a mark in the Club World Cup.

Ceballos likely to leave after Club World Cup

According to MARCA, Ceballos’ lack of prominence in the tournament has reignited doubts over his continuity at Real Madrid.

The midfielder played just 70 minutes across the tournament – 30 against Pachuca, 16 against Salzburg, one against Juventus, and 23 in the third-place match versus Dortmund.

While it’s still early in the season, the report notes that Ceballos isn’t among Xabi Alonso’s first-choice options.

Ceballos and Rodrygo have been linked with a move away from Real Madrid (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The former Betis star has endured similar phases in the past, but this latest snub could finally push him closer to the exit door.

However, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos already gone, Real Madrid may be hesitant to lose yet another midfielder. Ceballos is seen as a possible rotation piece, especially if Arda Guler, the man Xabi is trusting in a more central role, needs time to settle.

A return to Real Betis has always remained an option, but his recent contract renewal until 2027 complicates matters both financially and structurally.

Ceballos, for now, is remaining patient, looking out for potential options in the market. While a return to Betis can never be ruled out, it will be interesting to see if the midfielder can prove a point during Real Madrid’s pre-season campaign.