Three Reasons Why Real Madrid Should Keep Dani Ceballos This Summer

Let’s be honest — Dani Ceballos isn’t the first name that pops up when you think of Real Madrid’s midfield. He’s not the engine like Valverde, the artist like Modric, or the all-action presence of Bellingham. But here we are, in the middle of another summer rebuild, and Ceballos is quietly one of the most important decisions Madrid have to make.

There are whispers of a sale. €15 million and he’s gone. But maybe, just maybe, Real Madrid should think twice before letting him go.

Here’s why Los Blancos need to hold on to Ceballos — at least for one more season.

1. The Creative Spark Madrid Are Missing

You could feel it in the semifinal defeat to PSG at the Club World Cup — something was off. Madrid had the ball, but not the imagination. No Modric to glide between the lines, and no service to Bellingham to crash into spaces and create chaos. What was left was a lot of sideways passes and very little invention.

That’s exactly the kind of situation where a player like Dani Ceballos thrives.

He may not be flashy, but Ceballos has always had the technique and vision to unlock defences. His game is built on ball control, quick passes, and positional awareness — all qualities Real Madrid were sorely missing that night.

Sure, he’s not Luka Modric, but nobody is. What he can be is a steady hand in midfield, someone who keeps things ticking, shifts the tempo when needed, and isn’t afraid to take responsibility.

With a new manager like Xabi Alonso — someone who understands the art of midfield control better than most — Ceballos could finally find the consistent role he’s been missing.

2. Selling Him Makes No Financial Sense

Look, Real Madrid aren’t desperate for cash. This isn’t a fire sale situation. The reported €15 million price tag is pocket change in today’s market. It doesn’t open the door for a major signing. It doesn’t even pay for half a Rodri or Angelo Stiller.

And let’s be clear: no serious offers have arrived. That says a lot.

If Madrid force a sale, they might end up accepting a cut-price bid just to get it done. And then what? Go out and spend €50–100 million on another midfielder? That’s a terrible trade unless Real Madrid go into the market for a big signing which doesn’t seem to be the case.

Madrid’s current midfield core is strong, but thin. With Modric gone and Bellingham in rehab and out for 3 months, they’re walking into the new season with a risky lack of depth. Selling Ceballos for a small fee only increases that risk.

Keeping him costs you nothing. Selling him? That might end up being a very expensive mistake.

3. Jude Bellingham’s Injury Changes Everything

The elephant in the room is Jude Bellingham’s injury. Out for at least three months. That’s a major blow — and not just for the headlines. Bellingham is the player this team was built around in the 22/23 season and he proved just how important he is to the team. Goals, pressing, leadership, everything.

Without him, Real Madrid will likely rely on Tchouameni, Valverde, Arda Güler, and maybe Camavinga to cover three midfield spots. That’s thin. And risky.

This is exactly where Ceballos becomes valuable. He knows the system. He’s played with these guys. He can start, come off the bench, adapt to multiple roles — and he’s fully fit.

Madrid have a brutal early schedule and very little room for error. Dropping points in the first two months of the season can derail an entire campaign. Keeping Ceballos around gives you insurance. Depth. Experience.

And right now, that might be worth more than any transfer fee.

Final Thoughts

Selling Dani Ceballos might look logical on the surface. But dig deeper and the cracks appear.

Real Madrid are chasing greatness again — La Liga, Champions League, Super Cup, the lot. They’ll need a full squad to do it, especially in a season where injuries and fixture congestion will be relentless.

Ceballos is a fringe player, sure. But he’s also a smart, technical midfielder who knows the club, fits the system, and costs you nothing. In a tight season, that could make all the difference.

Madrid don’t need to overthink this one. Keep him. Use him. And let the rest of Europe wonder why he suddenly looks like a steal.