Dani Ceballos tells Real Madrid his condition to stay: 'It doesn't make sense'

Just like last season, Dani Ceballos's future at Real Madrid isn't completely secured. In light of this, and according to information from AS newspaper, Ceballos only told the club: "It doesn't make sense for me to stay if you sign another midfielder." This stance clearly shows the direction his future will take for this summer transfer window.

Xabi Alonso, after his arrival at Real Madrid, made it clear to the club the need to sign another midfielder. Luka Modric's departure left the club without a playmaking reference for next season. Although Ceballos has shown that he can fulfill that role, the player from Utrera doesn't have Xabi Alonso's full trust.

This is why, according to what Defensa Central has learned, if Ceballos leaves, it's because the club is preparing a signing. After a season of highs and lows for Ceballos, the player is looking to get minutes on the field. That's something he won't get if Real Madrid signs more competition for the midfield.

Ceballos's decision

Signed in 2017 from Real Betis, Dani Ceballos's career has been plagued by great and terrible moments. His loan to Arsenal in 2019 for two seasons showed one of the best versions of Ceballos. Although this allowed him to return to Real Madrid in 2021, the midfielder has lost prominence as the years have gone by.

However, last season saw a resurgence in Ceballos's career at the club. Amid constant injuries, Ceballos managed to play nearly 2,000 minutes (2,000 minutos) of game time. He was able to use that time to prove his worth to Real Madrid once again.

At 28 years old and with a contract until 2027, Ceballos is looking to stay with the team for next season. Aware that he won't be a starter, the player hasn't shown any issues with this. However, if the club ends up signing another midfielder, Ceballos would be pushed even further down in a situation that's not at all desired by the player.

The resolution for the future

Although Real Madrid has analyzed signing several midfielders, no offer has been made. This has caused a certain confidence in Ceballos to keep himself at Real Madrid. Even so, with the time remaining before the end of the transfer window, the player is looking to be prepared in case he has to leave.