Real Madrid rule out 28-year-old midfielder’s January exit despite uncertain role | OneFootball

According to recent information shared by Alejandro Alcazar in SPORT, Real Madrid have firmly decided that Dani Ceballos will stay at the club, with no plans to entertain transfer offers for the midfielder during the upcoming January window.

Real Madrid’s stance is clear—they consider Ceballos an essential player for their squad and will not consider loan or transfer requests from any club.

Reports reveal that both Real Betis and Real Sociedad have expressed interest in securing Ceballos, either through a loan deal this winter or possibly a permanent transfer next summer. However, Real Madrid remain adamant, declining to engage in discussions about his departure.

Ceballos is important… in some sense

It is said that Ceballos’ skill set and playing style make him a unique presence in Madrid’s midfield, where his technical abilities and creative touch add balance to the squad, especially among teammates who are typically more physically focused.

Real Madrid will not sell Dani Ceballos. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Although he has not seen much game time this season, clocking just over 110 minutes with only one start, manager Carlo Ancelotti values his versatility.

Interestingly, it must be noted that injuries have certainly impacted Ceballos’ career. In his first start of the season, he suffered a severe ankle sprain that kept him off the field for nearly a month, causing him to miss six matches.

Injuries have hampered Ceballos

Unfortunately, this setback is part of an ongoing trend since his return to Real Madrid from a loan spell at Arsenal. Since 2021, after suffering an injury with Spain’s Olympic team, Ceballos has been sidelined for more than 300 days due to various injuries, missing around 50 games in total.

Out of a possible 300 matches with Real Madrid, he has participated in just 153, illustrating the challenging journey he’s faced in maintaining fitness and form.

Real Madrid are clearly determined to keep Ceballos as an integral part of their squad, appreciating his rare qualities and hoping that he can overcome his injury issues to make a meaningful impact on the field.