Dani Ceballos seemed closer to a surprising step to Olympique Marseille, whereby both clubs reportedly reached a provisional agreement. The departure would let Xabi Alonso climb for last-minute alternatives while the Spanish giants want to cut their team for the 2025-26 campaign.
The development has surprised a lot, especially because gambling markets and new gambling sites adjust all their chances for upcoming competitions, with gamblers who re -assess the depth of Real Madrid for the coming season. The potential exit of Ceballos represents an important shift in the transfer strategy of the club, which had largely appeared completely after their summer spree of € 200 million.
The French club has emerged as the leader to secure the signature of Ceballos, with reports that indicate a loan agreement, including a purchase obligation of € 15 million. The 29-year-old midfielder had already given his permission to participate in the Roberto de Zerbi project and considered it his best chance to protect playing time regularly for the 2026 world cup.
Ceballos fed speculation about his departure with a cryptic Instagram post that read 'Last Dance' after the 3-0 victory of Real Madrid on Oviedo, where he only appeared as a late replacement for four minutes. The timing of the post, combined with its minimal playing time under Alonso, has created the perfect storm for his exit.
At the last minute, however, Ceballos seems to have some doubts and Marseille has now pulled himself out of the move. Now the place of Ceballos remains, with links to former Side Real Betis, but he could also stay in Santiago Bernabeu.
The stock of the Andalusian midfielder fell under the new manager Xabi Alonso. As a relatively reliable option for Carlo Ancelotti, Ceballos is now sixth in the pecking order of midfield behind Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler and the injured duo of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Alonso's tactical revolution has seen him a more structured approach, in which Guler was moved to the central midfield next to the established couples of Tchouameni and Valverde. This tactical shift has effectively pushed Ceballos to the periphery, which limits it to the opening of the two La Liga luminaires of Real Madrid for up to four minutes.
Despite its reduced role, Alonso remains cautious to punish the departure of Ceballos, in particular in loan conditions. The manager has explicitly given his preference for the midfielder to stay in the club, in the conviction that he can still contribute during a demanding season. The hierarchy of Real Madrid, however, seems more open to the move, provided that Marseille meets their valuation of € 15 million.
The potential departure of Ceballos reflects the wider Squad optimization strategy of Real Madrid before 2025-26. The club has already invested heavily in defensive reinforcements, which brought Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono for a combined € 167.5 million. However, they have in particular avoided to add the midfield depth, despite losing club legend Luka Modric to AC Milan.
The strategy was initially aimed at maintaining Squad -harmony while trusting existing options. The leadership of Real Madrid had completed their transfer activities at the beginning of August, with President Florentino Perez emphasizing stability on further acquisitions. This approach was intended to give Alonso maximum time to integrate its new signing sessions without disturbing team chemistry.
Nevertheless, the uncertainty of the movement of a potential ceballos has forced a reassessment. The club is now confronted with the Dilemma van Klauteren to find a suitable replacement in the last days of the transfer window.
When Ceballos leaves, Real Madrid has identified three potential solutions. Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace is at the top of their wish list, reportedly impressed by the defensive possibilities of the 21-year-old and the passing reach. However, the valuation of € 80 million from Palace makes this option financially challenging, even with the sales proceeds from Ceballos.
AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smits represents a more affordable alternative, although his attack profile may not match the tactical requirements of Alonso. The third option includes promoting the 18-year-old Academy graduate Thiago Pitarch, who made an impression during the preseason and recently signed an improved contract with an increased release clause.
The timing creates extra complications, with less than a week before the transfer window closes on 31 August. This compressed time frame limits Real Madrid's negotiation forces and can force them to pay their current midfield depth or too much for a last-minute acquisition.
The Ceballos -Saga embodies the unpredictable character of modern transfer windows, where even the most carefully planned strategies can unravel in the last days. For Real Madrid, the challenge lies in balancing immediate squadron needs with long -term planning, all while maintaining the competitive advantage that defines their pursuit of domestic and European glory.