Dani Ceballos informs Real Madrid of desire to depart – replacement plan ready

Real Madrid are already set to lose Toni Kroos this summer, but they could also see a second midfielder depart. Dani Ceballos is keen to exit the Santiago Bernabeu, and his intentions have reached the offices at the club.

According to The Athletic, Los Blancos are conscious that Ceballos is interested in leaving, and there are multiple clubs in Spain interested in him. He is keen to get more game time, after playing just 881 minutes this season, and losing his place in the Spanish national team.

Real Madrid understand the 27-year-old’s stance, but are not looking to sell him, after the exit of Kroos. They signed him to a new deal until 2027 last summer, and gave him a pay rise, while Kroos’ exit does not help. With his salary well above what many other Spanish clubs can afford, it looks tricky for another La Liga team to offer a package that is attractive enough for them to sell, and Ceballos to accept in terms of salary.

Even if he does depart though, Real Madrid have decided not to sign a replacement for Ceballos. Castilla’s Nico Paz or Mario Martin would instead be promoted. Both are appreciated at the club, and given cameo appearances this season.

That said, there are two months to go before the transfer window closes, and it would be no surprise if a Premier League club takes interest in him at some point. They may stand a better chance of extracting him. It would be a rare occasion in recent years where Los Blancos promote from within in recent years if Paz or Martin do make the jump.