Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set €15 million price tag for out-of-favour star as return to former club ruled out
After yet another season where he has barely played regularly, Dani Ceballos’ time at Real Madrid is surely coming to an end.
The 29-year-old has a contract with the club until 2027, meaning he will be entering the final year of his deal this summer. It would present Real Madrid with the final chance of cashing in on him instead of losing him for free a year later.
In fact, Ceballos might have already played his last game for Real Madrid. After all, he was left out of the squad for tonight’s game against Real Betis and reports claim that Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to call him up again this season after an alleged run-in between the pair.
Real Madrid want €15 million for Ceballos
Now, according to AS, Real Madrid are asking for a fee of around €15 million for Ceballos heading into the summer transfer window.
It would be close to the €16.5 million figure Real Madrid paid to sign the midfielder from Real Betis all the way back in 2017, when Zinedine Zidane saw the then-promising youngster as a future long-term successor to Luka Modric.
Things have never worked out for Ceballos at Real Madrid, though. After not playing much in his first two years at the club, the Spaniard spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal.
Upon returning, the 29-year-old midfielder was bogged down by regular injury and fitness problems that hindered his progress.
Ceballos’ situation has taken a turn for the worse this term, especially since Arbeloa took over the reins, as he has only played five matches under the current manager.
Given the situation as well his contract status, both player and club agree that he should depart this summer, even though he still has a year left on his deal. And a fee of €15 million is what Real Madrid are seeking for his sale.
No Real Betis return
Throughout these years, his name has consistently been linked with a return to his former club Real Betis. However, Los Verdiblancos, once close to re-signing him on several occasions, are no longer an option as per the report.
Indeed, the La Liga club does not intend to pay the €15 million fee that Real Madrid are asking, ruling them out of contention.
Meanwhile, Ceballos is attracting interest from Dutch giants AFC Ajax, driven by their new sporting director Jordi Cruyff.
It remains to be seen whether that materialises into something substantial. But what is clear is that both parties have accepted that Ceballos’ time at Real Madrid has come to an end.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
