Real Madrid already has a replacement for Dani Ceballos

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Espanyol Real Madrid

03/05/26 21:00:00

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Real Madrid is going through a solid start to the season, backed by the recent 0-3 victory over Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere stadium. However, beyond strictly sporting matters, transfer rumors continue to generate debate about Xabi Alonso's squad. And at the center of this story appears a very well-known name: Dani Ceballos.

The midfielder from Utrera has once again been relegated to the bench even when his coach decided to rotate up to four positions from the previous match. So far this season, he has only played 4 minutes out of 180 possible, a figure that shows his lack of prominence. After the game, the player himself posted a cryptic message on his social media with the phrase "Last Dance," which many interpreted as a veiled farewell.

This sense of discord between the player and the club has coincided with a very specific proposal: Olympique de Marseille has shown strong interest in acquiring the services of the Andalusian. According to sources close to the operation, the French club would be willing to offer him a leading role and a very attractive economic contract. This option could represent a turning point in the player's career, who has a contract in force until 2027 but does not seem satisfied with his situation at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Kees Smit would be Ceballos' replacement at Real Madrid

Meanwhile, in the upper echelons of Chamartín, pieces are being moved with an eye on the future. President Florentino Pérez and his sports planning team are closely following Kees Smit, one of the most coveted emerging talents in European football. The 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar is considered one of the great promises of Dutch football and is already on the agenda for the Whites looking ahead to 2026.

However, recent events could accelerate matters. Doubts about Ceballos' future, the injuries that have affected Eduardo Camavinga, and the need to manage Arda Güler's progression have opened the door to considering an early move. There is a feeling in Valdebebas that Smit could quickly adapt to the project and become an immediate reinforcement, although the price set by his club, around 35 million euros, does not facilitate the operation.

The Real Madrid coach has been clear in his statements. For him, it is essential to keep all players involved and ready to compete, regardless of whether they are starters or substitutes. However, he also recognizes that the team's balance relies on having players who are truly committed. And at this point, the uncertainty surrounding Ceballos is not helpful.

The contrast with Smit is evident. The young Dutchman has attracted attention for his technical ability, physical presence, and maturity on the field, qualities that align with the philosophy of a club that always bets on internationally projected players.

Marseille is not a minor player in this story. The French team has shown remarkable ambition in the recent transfer market and believes that Ceballos' addition would raise the competitiveness of their midfield. Additionally, in France, they value his experience in European competitions and his versatility to perform in different midfield positions.

The proposal, aside from being economically attractive, would guarantee him a leading role, something the Utrera native does not find at the Bernabéu. And although his immediate departure is not set, the feeling is that the move could materialize in any transfer window, whether in winter or summer.

The current situation puts Real Madrid at a clear crossroads: to strive to integrate Ceballos back into the team dynamics or to seize Marseille's interest to make room for new additions. Smit emerges as the most logical alternative, a player who represents both the present and the future, and who could expedite his arrival if circumstances demand it.

The Real Madrid sports management knows that each decision must be made with a long-term vision but also with the flexibility to adapt to the market. Competitive pressure, challenges in La Liga and the Champions League, and the need to maintain a balanced squad will keep this story making headlines in the coming weeks.

What seems certain is that Real Madrid does not want to be left behind. If Ceballos decides to move to Olympique de Marseille, Florentino Pérez could make a move immediately to bring in Kees Smit, a name destined to resonate increasingly in the Spanish capital.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid ya tiene sustituto para Dani Ceballos