Dani Ceballos's replacement is already decided: 22 years old, from Valencia, and for just €25M

The transfer market has already closed, but rumors around Real Madrid never rest. The team led by Xabi Alonso faces the start of the Champions League with a focus on sports.

Even so, in the offices at Valdebebas, they're still thinking about strengthening the team for next season.

In fact, what has happened in recent months with Dani Ceballos has sparked an internal debate that Florentino Pérez and his board don't want to fuel.

The midfielder from Utrera stayed in the team despite doubts about his role. This has forced the directors to start scouring the market in search of future alternatives.

The Ceballos case remains open

Xabi Alonso was very clear in his press conference: Ceballos will keep the same role that had already been defined, despite rumors of a departure.

The Basque coach considers him a useful player in the rotation, although he knows that his continuity beyond 2026 is very complicated.

The coach himself put it bluntly: the situation doesn't change, the midfielder is just another member of the team, but future decisions will depend on the footballer himself and the sporting management.

The case of the Sevillian has set off the alarm at the club, which doesn't want to be left without a replacement in such a sensitive position.

Javi Guerra, on the white radar

According to Defensa Central, one of the names most liked in the offices at Santiago Bernabéu is Javi Guerra.

The Valencia midfielder has burst onto the scene in LaLiga and has established himself as one of the most promising young national talents.

His vision of the game, ability to arrive from the second line, and work rate make him a very attractive profile for Florentino Pérez.

Juni Calafat has already conveyed that he'll be closely monitored throughout the season. The goal is to assess whether he fits into the medium-term project, in line with the policy of rejuvenating and increasing the Spanish presence in the team.

At 22 years old, Javi Guerra represents both present and future. This is something Real Madrid considers key in building a new midfield after the departures of Modric and Kroos.

A complex operation

The main obstacle is his contract. Javi Guerra renewed with Valencia until 2029, with a release clause of 100 million euros.

Although Mestalla is going through financial problems and would accept negotiations, the transfer would never go below 40 or 50 million.

In addition, the "che" club needs liquidity and isn't considering a swap with Ceballos, as has been speculated in some circles.

For now, Real Madrid is watching calmly. The priority is for Xabi Alonso to get the most out of the current team, but the future is already being shaped in the offices.

On that horizon, Javi Guerra appears as one of the names set to lead the white midfield in the coming years.