Forgotten man Dani Ceballos could soon be a Real Madrid memory

Dani Ceballos has no shortage of suitors. Ajax are interested in signing the midfielder ahead of next season, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, a report AS has confirmed.

The Dutch giants’ new sporting director, Jordi Cruyff, is beginning to shape his first squad rebuild at the club and has identified the Real Madrid player as a target. Ceballos fits the profile Ajax are currently seeking, experienced players capable of strengthening the squad while they aim to reclaim the Eredivisie title, which they have not won since 2022. With PSV already confirmed as champions and just a few rounds remaining, Ajax are now focused on securing a Champions League spot. At the same time, the club remains committed to its traditional model of developing young talent from its famed academy in Amsterdam.

Limited role at Real Madrid raises questions over future

Ceballos, 29, has one year remaining on his contract with Real Madrid. The former Real Betis midfielder has seen limited opportunities this season.

After recovering from a muscle injury in his right soleus that kept him out for around six weeks, he has not played a single minute in Real Madrid’s last three matches, including both legs of their tie against Bayern Munich and a LaLiga match against Girona. Under Arbeloa, he has not started any of the 13 matches he has been available for and has featured in only five games overall.

Transfer uncertainty continues around Ceballos

A departure from Real Madrid has been discussed on multiple occasions during recent transfer windows. A return to Real Betis has often been mentioned, but the closest he came to leaving was last summer when Marseille showed strong interest. Late in the window, after the LaLiga season had already begun, the French club reached an agreement with Real Madrid for a loan deal with an obligation to buy. However, Ceballos ultimately blocked the move, a decision that did not sit well with senior figures at the club’s Valdebebas training base.

This season, Ceballos has played just 804 minutes across 22 appearances, starting only seven matches. Those numbers make him the third least used outfield player in the squad, ahead of only Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, both of whom have suffered long-term injuries.

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