Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran’s salary and transfer fee repelling suitors for summer transfer
Dani Ceballos was very close to leaving Real Madrid for Olympique Marseille last summer, but reversed his decision at the nth moment, hoping for more minutes at the club of his dreams under the new management.
However, neither Xabi Alonso nor his successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, has given the player any prominence or notice, and all signs point to his future at the club looking increasingly unlikely.
With the midfield already heavily competitive, Ceballos has now fallen behind even Thiago Pitarch on the pecking order.
With Nico Paz and possibly another big midfielder set to arrive in the summer, it is clear that Ceballos will be nothing more than deadwood.
Complicated departure
Over the years, Ceballos has largely shown a willingness to return to his former club, Real Betis. That operation, however, has been complicated for a plethora of reasons.
As relayed by Diario AS in a reserve report, Ceballos’ continuity at Real Madrid is close to impossible at this point, and with his deal expiring in 2027, the time to make a decision is now.
Los Blancos are willing to sell him in the summer, and Real Betis, once again, has his heart. However, the economics complicate the deal.
Ceballos’ salary at Real Madrid is currently €9 million, while the Merengues are demanding €15 million in transfer fees this summer if they are to let him go.
Both factors, needless to say, push Real Betis and other interested parties away from the negotiation.
With two months remaining this season, Ceballos will look to deliver statement performances when handed the opportunity to earn suitors for the summer.
He could also opt to stay and see out his contract, but that would virtually mean signing up for a season with a guaranteed lack of minutes.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
