Dani Ceballos (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Dani Ceballos could leave Real Madrid this summer after Xabi Alonso left him unused against Al Hilal, signaling the midfielder may not be part of the new coach's plans.
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Xabi Alonso made his Real Madrid managerial debut in the Club World Cup against Al Hilal, but just days into his reign, reports in Spain suggest the new coach has already identified his first departure.
Dani Ceballos, once a trusted figure under Carlo Ancelotti, could be on the transfer list this summer after being left on the bench for the entire match. Although the midfielder spent most of the second half warming up, Alonso chose not to bring him on, instead opting for Luka Modrić and Álvaro Muñoz as his final changes in the 84th minute.
According to AS, this was a clear sign that Ceballos is not in Alonso’s plans. The 27-year-old was reportedly visibly upset after the game, realizing his role under the new boss may be significantly reduced compared to his standing with Ancelotti.
Ceballos has a contract until 2027, but with Alonso eager to reshape the squad ahead of the 2025–26 season, he may be among the first players pushed toward the exit. The Club World Cup is giving Alonso a chance to evaluate his squad before a full pre-season, and early signs suggest Ceballos could be surplus to requirements.
The midfielder has been at the Bernabéu since 2017, including a two-year loan stint at Arsenal. While Ancelotti saw value in his energy and creativity in midfield, Alonso appears ready to take a different direction as he begins the toughest challenge of his coaching career so far.