Real Madrid have confirmed that Dani Ceballos has left the club by mutual agreement, with the midfielder terminating his contract a year before its scheduled expiry date of June 2027. The 29-year-old waived his final year of salary to facilitate the move, allowing him to join a new club as a free agent rather than seeing out the remaining 12 months of his deal.
The announcement, published on the club’s official website, brings a premature end to a contract that was extended only in June 2023. According to Diario AS, the agreement was reached approximately one week before it became official. By actively surrendering wages owed to him under the remaining term, Ceballos has distinguished this departure from a standard contract expiry, prioritising immediate playing opportunities over financial security at the Bernabéu.
Mourinho’s arrival seals exit
The decision follows the appointment of José Mourinho as head coach for the 2026-27 season. Diario AS report that Mourinho informed the club he had no intention of using Ceballos next season, effectively making retention a cost without sporting return. Rather than carrying a player on full wages who would not feature, Madrid opted for early termination to remove the salary from their books and free a registration slot.
Ceballos had already struggled for regular starts under Carlo Ancelotti last season, operating behind Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga in the midfield hierarchy. The club is also set to activate a buyback clause for Nico Páz, indicating that squad turnover in midfield remains a priority during the current transfer window.
Career summary and future prospects
During nine years at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ceballos made 215 appearances and won 16 titles, including three Champions League trophies. He scored seven goals and provided 16 assists, though he never established himself as an undisputed starter in a squad packed with elite talent.
Real Betis and Ajax have been reported as interested parties in securing his services. Ceballos began his professional career at Betis before joining Madrid in 2017, and a return to Seville would offer the regular first-team football he requires at age 29. Diario AS note that the midfielder will seek either a substantial signing-on fee or a long-term contract to offset the wages he has sacrificed.
The club’s official statement thanked Ceballos for his commitment, noting that “El Real Madrid es y será siempre su casa.” With pre-season approaching, confirmation of his next destination is expected in the coming weeks as the free agent evaluates offers.