Real Madrid is confronted with a potentially unplanned late movement in the transfer market. The possible output of Dani Ceballos has placed manager Xabi Alonso and the club to work on a last-minute alternative.
Ceballos wants to leave Real Madrid for a greater role, where Olympique Marseille is interested in him. They already have an agreement with Ceballos, but Real Madrid has to give the green light for a movement. Xabi Alonso has asked the club for a replacement like Ceballos.
According to Diario AS, the player is that Real Madrid is the most enthusiastic about replacing Ceballos by Crystal Palace -Midfielder Adam Wharton. The most important obstacle would be his price tag, which is at least € 80 million, and even if Ceballos is sold for their asking price of € 15 million, then it is still a piece for Los Blancos.
In terms of profile and fit, the feeling that Wharton would be perfect for them, and they will consider the move if Ceballos will leave. Now that Rodrygo remains in the club, their original plan seems to no longer be an option to be the move.
In the meantime, the Dutch midfielder Kees Smit has been one of the most discussed young people in Europe, after impressive impressions for AZ Alkmaar and Dutch Under-19 Side, which he helped this summer with the Euro title against Spain. Smit, 19, is regularly viewed by scouts from Real Madrid and costs around € 25-30 million.
If no one arrives instead of Ceballos, Los Blancos could turn to Castilla product Thiago Pitarch. The 18-year-old had recently renewed his deal and reportedly impressed Alonso in the preseason. Pitarch is included in the Real Madrid team for both opening matches.
Wharton has been interested in large clubs for some time, but it would be unusual to see Los Blancos make such a big movement in the window, and have already spent € 167.5 million this summer, they are not in a hurry to increase that figure by 50%. That said, Alonso seems to have received support about signing sessions so far. Palace may be reluctant to lose another major player, out the door with Eze, and Marc Guehi will follow possible.
Earlier this summer, Smit acknowledged Real Madrid, but said he wanted to continue his development at Alkmaar. Still, if he received the guarantees on his playing time, Los Blancos is rarely rejected.