La Liga club president breaks silence on transfer interest in Real Madrid midfielder
Dani Ceballos renewed his contract with Real Madrid less than a year ago, reportedly assured of regular playing time by Carlo Ancelotti.
The Spanish star, however, saw his role largely limited to the bench last season amidst intense competition in midfield. He played only 600 minutes in La Liga and just over 150 minutes in the UEFA Champions League.
His drought for minutes clearly makes him a strong candidate to leave this summer. Unsurprisingly, his childhood club Real Betis have emerged as one of his potential destinations.
Betis President discusses Ceballos
The 27-year-old has frequently been linked with a move to Real Betis in recent years given his connection with the club. Los Verdiblancos, for their part, have also shown keen interest in reuniting with the player.
Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Real Betis President Angel Haro was asked about the possible signing of Ceballos this summer.
“Ceballos? Today it is a remote option, but the market is putting things in place. Today there is no open negotiation with Dani,” he said via Mundo Deportivo.
“We do not know what may happen in the medium term. We are obliged to prepare all possible economic scenarios and when the club requires that we have alternatives, we will be prepared to take that step forward,” he added, keeping the door open.
Looking for the right offer
Ceballos is said to have communicated his desire to leave to the Real Madrid administration. The club, in turn, have stated that they will not block an exit if a suitable offer is made.
Los Blancos are reportedly looking to recover at least €20 million from Ceballos’ sale, a figure that Real Betis cannot currently afford.
Interest from Atletico Madrid and Girona has been registered but it is unclear if they are willing to shell out the said amount for the 27-year-old.
As it stands, Ceballos is set to return to training at the Valdebebas later this week. After all, negotiating the terms of his exit may well stretch into the final weeks of the transfer window.
