Key Takeaways
- Dani Ceballos will not play for Real Madrid again following a serious clash with coach Alvaro Arbeloa
- The midfielder has one year left on his contract but is now training away from the main squad
- Ajax and Real Betis are both interested in signing the Spanish playmaker this summer
Dani Ceballos appears to have played his final match for Real Madrid. The Spanish midfielder has fallen out with coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Unless something changes quickly, his nine-year stay at the Bernabeu is over.
Ceballos joined Real Madrid in 2017. He spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal. Since returning, he has struggled to secure a regular place in the team. This season, his playing time has dropped even further.
The 29-year-old rejected a move to Olympique Marseille last summer. Now he looks certain to leave when the transfer window opens. Ajax want to sign him. However, Ceballos prefers a return to his former club, Real Betis.
Last week, Ceballos was missing from the squad that drew 1-1 with Real Betis. Arbeloa refused to explain the absence in detail. He only said he picks players he considers appropriate.
The problem started with an argument in the manager’s office last Thursday. Ceballos and Arbeloa agreed to end their working relationship. Although the player still trains with the group, he is excluded from matchday squads. He told teammates the issue is personal between him and Arbeloa.
Marca reports that the club supports Arbeloa. Officials suspect Ceballos created the conflict on purpose. They believe he wants to force a transfer but needs an excuse for his lack of games to show interested clubs.
The club has accepted Arbeloa’s decision to drop Ceballos. They want to avoid more drama. With one year remaining on his deal, the midfielder now faces an uncertain few months away from the pitch.