Dani Ceballos came ever so close to leaving Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, with a move to his former club Real Betis being in the works until deadline day.
However, Los Blancos closed the doors on the Spaniard’s exit at the request of manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite fielding offers from Betis as well as AS Monaco.
Having stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ceballos has once again endured a difficult start to the season, with minutes being hard to come by before being struck down by an injury.
As such, the 28-year-old has played just 71 minutes across three games in all competitions this season, sparking rumours of a possible January departure.
Real Betis will move for Ceballos again
Now, according to reports relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Real Betis will once again make an attempt to sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid during the January transfer window.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are eager to replenish their resources in midfield after losing the likes of William Carvalho and Isco to long-term injuries.
As such, the Betis’ sporting management has the name of Ceballos at the top of their list for the winter transfer window, with the plan being to make another move for the Real Madrid midfielder.
Way down the pecking order
Ceballos made his comeback from injury just before the international break, and was part of the matchday squad against Villarreal, although he did not get any minutes on the field.
The 28-year-old ex-Real Betis man finds himself behind Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and even Arda Guler in the pecking order in midfield.
As such, it might not come as a surprise if Ceballos asks to leave, although whether Real Madrid will facilitate his departure would be a whole different question, given their injury ordeals this season.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.