Not with Xabi Alonso or Álvaro Arbeloa: imminent exit at Real Madrid

Dani Ceballos's spell at Real Madrid seems to have reached its point of no return. Coaches, projects, and different contexts have come and gone, but the Andalusian midfielder has never managed to establish himself as a truly important piece within the team. Except for one specific exception, his role has almost always been the same: regular substitute.

Even in the moments when the team needed soccer in midfield, Ceballos was more of an emergency resource than a firm bet. The player himself has acknowledged that being a substitute at Real Madrid has value, although it is no longer enough to sustain his current situation.

Opportunities that slip away in the market

In the most recent transfer windows, his departure has been on the table on several occasions. He was very close to leaving for Marseille and, more recently, Aston Villa showed interest in signing him. Unai Emery saw in him an ideal profile to provide calm and control at key moments of matches.

However, the deal cooled in the final hours. That missed opportunity has ended up worsening his internal situation. In a team where every training session counts, not taking advantage of the few available chances usually has inevitable consequences.

Arbeloa loses patience

With Álvaro Arbeloa's arrival in charge, Ceballos has not managed to change his fate either. The coach is clear and direct: daily work is non-negotiable. Within the coaching staff there is deep unrest with the midfielder's attitude, especially because of his lack of intensity in training.

According to El Nacional, Arbeloa believes that Ceballos doesn't meet the minimum standards required to be part of the group, even more so as a player with few minutes. In a locker room with maximum competition, not pushing from the bench or contributing on a daily basis ends up taking its toll.

No room for a reaction

The conclusion within the club is clear, Ceballos no longer has any room to turn his situation around. He doesn't contribute on the field, he doesn't lead off it, and he is beginning to be perceived as a problem for the group's dynamics. Keeping him in the squad, they understand, only creates unnecessary strain.

Not even a possible change of project with Xabi Alonso would alter the diagnosis, neither now nor later. At Real Madrid they believe that the best thing for all parties is an immediate departure. In order to ease tensions, close a chapter, and allow the player to look for a setting where he can feel important again, the farewell, this time, seems final.