Xabi Alonso steps in to protect fringe Real Madrid midfielder from potential exit – report | OneFootball

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso has stepped in personally to halt the potential departure of Dani Ceballos.

The midfielder, who is thought to be on the verge of leaving several times in recent years, is now set for a new lease of life thanks to Alonso’s intervention.

Reports say that Italian giants AC Milan had submitted a formal offer to sign the Spanish midfielder. The move would have offered Ceballos more regular minutes and a fresh start, but Alonso has requested club president Florentino Perez to keep the player in Madrid.

Ceballos is key to new system

Alonso’s coaching style is built around technical quality, positional play, and ball circulation. He sees Ceballos, a player with excellent vision and strong passing ability, as someone who can thrive in this kind of setup.

While the former Arsenal midfielder has struggled with consistency and injuries in recent seasons, Alonso wants to unlock his full potential as a rotation option, especially with Real Madrid competing on several fronts next season.

Xabi Alonso wants to keep Dani Ceballso. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Ceballos’ ability to control the tempo and link defence with attack fits perfectly with Alonso’s ideas.

The coach is planning a more associative and fluid midfield, and he believes the 28-year-old can play a vital supporting role alongside bigger names.

AC Milan and Real Betis miss out

AC Milan were keen on signing Ceballos and believed he would bring technical refinement to their midfield.

On the other hand, Real Betis, the player’s boyhood club, were also keeping a close eye on his situation. But now, with Alonso’s direct backing, Ceballos is expected to stay at Real Madrid and fight for his place.

This move remains a broader plan from Real Madrid, not just to invest in major signings, but also to revitalise existing squad members.

For Ceballos, this could be the turning point he has been waiting for, and under Alonso, he might finally get the chance to prove his worth.