Real Madrid midfielder’s former club closes the door on summer return – ‘Not in a position’ | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos once again finds himself staring at an uncertain future at Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old midfielder has had a very limited role at the FIFA Club World Cup under new manager Xabi Alonso thus far.

Indeed, Ceballos has played just 47 minutes across three games for Real Madrid after sitting out of the opening match against Al-Hilal.

With players like Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham ahead of him, Ceballos’ future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been called into question again.

No return to Real Betis

In the past, Ceballos has been heavily linked with a return to his former club Real Betis. There had been talks about a possible move back to his boyhood club over the past two summer transfer windows but nothing came of it.

Ceballos staring at an uncertain future. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, this time around, a potential return to Real Betis will not be an option for Ceballos, the Andalusian club’s president, Angel Haro, has confirmed.

“Dani had the right moment to come. Now we are not in a position to make a transfer of any magnitude. It is very hypothetical. It’s complicated. It’s complex,” commented Haro during an interview on COPE Sevilla (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“He renewed with Madrid and I think he wants to feel like a Real Madrid player,” the Real Betis chief added.

Ceballos signed a new contract with Real Madrid in 2023, when his previous deal was expiring, committing his future to the club until 2027.

Despite his intentions of establishing himself as a regular in the team, things have not worked out for Ceballos at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard was gaining prominence under Carlo Ancelotti towards the end of the 2024/25 season but his situation under Alonso has become dicey again. A decision on his future will be made after the Club World Cup.