As the dust settles on Real Madrid’s shocking Club World Cup elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, a seismic shift is taking place behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu. The appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new head coach has sparked both excitement and uncertainty across the Madrid fanbase. While many anticipate a tactical evolution and rejuvenated squad, the former midfield maestro has wasted no time in making bold internal assessments — and some players are already feeling the impact.
One name in particular has emerged at the center of the reshuffle: Dani Ceballos. The Spanish midfielder, once touted as a key figure for the future under Carlo Ancelotti, now finds himself teetering on the edge of an unexpected exit. According to reports from Don Balón, Alonso has already expressed serious doubts about Ceballos’ suitability in his envisioned midfield structure.
Ceballos’ journey at Madrid has been anything but smooth. Signed from Real Betis with high expectations, he’s endured a stop-start tenure marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite his technical quality and intelligent movement, Ceballos has failed to lock down a regular starting role, often overshadowed by more dynamic or physically dominant midfielders.
Carlo Ancelotti, known for his loyalty to experienced players and measured squad rotation, never fully integrated Ceballos into his core lineup. Yet, the 27-year-old remained hopeful that a new managerial direction would revive his fortunes. That optimism now appears misplaced, with Alonso signaling a desire to trim the fat and redefine the identity of Madrid’s midfield.
Xabi Alonso, a cerebral thinker of the game and disciple of positional play, is expected to modernize Real Madrid’s midfield dynamics. His coaching philosophy leans on structure, intelligence, and tactical flexibility — attributes he believes are lacking in Ceballos’ game at the current level. While Ancelotti valued possession control and patient buildup, Alonso seems more focused on verticality and intensity.
To complicate matters, the impending arrival of Franco Mastantuono, the teenage Argentine prodigy, casts a long shadow over Ceballos’ future. The 16-year-old, who operates in a similar creative role, is widely regarded as one of South America’s finest young talents. Madrid’s decision to invest heavily in him signals their long-term commitment — a direct threat to any marginal figures hoping for a resurgence.
Mastantuono’s integration into the squad, even at a developmental level, further reduces the space for players like Ceballos. With Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni all firmly ahead in the pecking order, the former Betis man now finds himself as the odd one out.
The report claims that Xabi Alonso has already informed club directors of his position: Ceballos does not fit the project. While the final call lies with the board, the coach’s early influence is evident, and Madrid are open to listening to offers for a permanent sale this summer. A loan was initially floated internally, but it appears the club may prefer to offload him permanently and clear the path for Mastantuono’s development.
From a strategic standpoint, Ceballos’ departure would help free up salary space and allow Alonso to mold a squad better suited to his tactical ideals. Moreover, the midfielder’s market value, while not sky-high, still offers a chance for a reasonable return — especially with interest reportedly brewing in La Liga and Serie A.
The decision also underscores a broader shift under Alonso: meritocracy and potential are replacing seniority and sentimentality. Players who cannot adapt quickly or contribute consistently will likely face similar fates, regardless of their past promises or relationships with former coaches.
Ceballos, for his part, is reportedly frustrated by the situation. After turning down offers in recent windows and committing to fighting for his place, this new development has left him blindsided. He believed his experience and technical skill would find appreciation under Alonso, who himself thrived as a midfielder. But football, as always, is evolving — and sympathy seldom finds room in elite squads.
The preseason has done little to change the outlook. Sources close to the training ground say Alonso has prioritized giving minutes to younger players and those aligned with his vision. Ceballos, meanwhile, has seen limited involvement, further indicating that the writing is on the wall.
With only weeks left in the transfer window, Ceballos’ camp is now weighing options. A return to Real Betis remains a possibility, while Sevilla and Villarreal are also believed to be monitoring the situation. Italy could offer a fresh start as well, with AC Milan and Fiorentina rumored to have shown interest in the past.
For Real Madrid, this is a statement moment — the kind that defines transitions. Letting go of a player with quality and La Liga experience is never easy, but if Alonso is to usher in a new era, such difficult decisions must be made. His readiness to make a tough call this early in his tenure speaks volumes about his clarity of vision.
And for Dani Ceballos, it may be the end of a chapter that never truly began the way it was meant to. From promise to frustration, his time in white may soon give way to a new journey — elsewhere