Dani Ceballos remains at Real Madrid for now, with reports suggesting new head coach Xabi Alonso personally intervened to stop his sale. Club president Florentino Perez was reportedly open to offloading the midfielder, with AC Milan among the suitors, but Alonso sees a vital role for the Spaniard moving forward.
The 28-year-old endured a stop-start season due to injuries but still made 41 appearances across all competitions under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Despite recent transfer links to Real Betis and AC Milan, Ceballos’ contract at the Bernabeu runs until 2027, making any deal more complex.
Sources close to the club say Alonso greatly values Ceballos’ vision and technique. The new manager reportedly made it clear to Perez that the midfielder’s presence will be essential as the club reshapes its squad this summer.
Though Ceballos was benched in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal—a 1-1 draw—he remains part of the team for the tournament. Their next games are against Pachuca on June 22 and Red Bull Salzburg on June 27.
Elsewhere in the squad, Luka Modric is set to depart after the Club World Cup concludes, as he won’t be extending his contract. Meanwhile, incoming Argentine youngster Franco Mastantuono will join the squad in August.
As speculation continues around the futures of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid remain firm on keeping both unless a substantial offer arrives. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are expected to stay and form the midfield core.
Alonso’s early involvement in shaping squad decisions—particularly in keeping Ceballos—signals a proactive approach as he begins his tenure at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.