Real Madrid midfielder stuck in a ‘golden cage’ – report | OneFootball

Dani Ceballos’ career at Real Madrid has been a tale of unfulfilled potential. Signed by Los Blancos in 2017 with high expectations after impressing at Real Betis, the Spanish midfielder has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at the Bernabeu.

After two seasons of limited appearances, Ceballos was loaned to Arsenal, where his performances reignited hopes of a breakthrough upon his return to Madrid.

However, his role at the club has remained largely unchanged, leading him to repeatedly consider leaving the Bernabeu.

Ceballos in a ‘golden cage’

As reported by SPORT, Dani Ceballos is stuck in a ‘golden cage’ of sorts. The midfielder has no prominence in Real Madrid’s plans for the new season, while suitors are few and far between.

Although Carlo Ancelotti values his presence as a squad player, he doesn’t rate the Spaniard as a starter for a team, which already boasts the services of several talented stars in midfield.

Time’s up for Ceballos at Real Madrid? (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier in the summer, with the departure of Toni Kroos, there was a glimmer of hope for more minutes. However, Ceballos fears that his role will remain largely the same.

This has led to his agent recently leaking that his client would like to leave the club. However, Real Madrid have not received any concrete interest in the midfielder.

The Spaniard’s desire was to return to Real Betis, but Los Verdiblancos do not have the financial means to afford the player.

At 28 years old, Ceballos, therefore, finds himself at a crossroads. His dream of returning to Betis remains unfulfilled, with the club unable to meet his salary demands of around five million euros net per season.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Ceballos’ future remains uncertain, trapped in a situation where opportunities to showcase his talent seem increasingly elusive.