URGENT: Dani Ceballos has expressed his wish to leave Real Madrid to return to Betis.

Dani Ceballos’ time at Real Madrid appears to be drawing to a close, with the Spanish midfielder reportedly making it clear that he wishes to return to his boyhood club, Real Betis. The 28-year-old, who has struggled to secure consistent playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, now sees a move back to Seville as the best step for his career.

According to reports, Ceballos has already communicated his desire to leave to the Madrid hierarchy. The decision comes after months of uncertainty regarding his role in the squad, with the club’s latest transfer moves further pushing him down the pecking order. Despite being a technically gifted player with excellent vision, his path to regular minutes has been blocked by a crowded midfield that includes Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham.

Sources close to the Santiago Bernabéu suggest that Real Madrid no longer see Ceballos as part of their long-term sporting project. While the club has appreciated his professionalism and dedication over the years, the reality is that he has not been a central figure since returning from his loan spell at Arsenal in 2021.

For Ceballos, the lure of returning to Real Betis is strong. He grew up in the club’s youth system and made his professional breakthrough at the Benito Villamarín before securing a high-profile transfer to Madrid in 2017. A return would not only provide him with regular football but also offer the chance to reignite his career in a familiar and supportive environment.

Reports indicate that Betis are keen on the reunion, but financial negotiations remain a potential stumbling block. The Andalusian side will need to work within their budget constraints to make the deal happen, though Ceballos’ willingness to take a pay cut could be crucial in facilitating the move.

Real Madrid, for their part, are open to the transfer. The club understands that freeing up Ceballos’ wages could help balance the books and create space for new signings, especially with ongoing ambitions to strengthen in other areas of the squad. His departure would also be seen as a respectful gesture, allowing him to return to the club that shaped his footballing journey.

Ceballos’ tenure in Madrid has been marked by flashes of brilliance, including several key performances in domestic and European competitions. However, his inability to cement a starting role, compounded by injuries and tactical shifts, has left his chapter with Los Blancos feeling incomplete.

Betis fans, meanwhile, have greeted the news with excitement. Many still remember the young playmaker who dazzled La Liga with his composure on the ball and sharp passing range. A homecoming would not only boost their midfield creativity but also add a dose of emotional connection between the club and its supporters.

The move could also benefit Spain’s national team prospects for Ceballos. With regular playing time in La Liga, he could stake a stronger claim for inclusion in Luis de la Fuente’s future squads, something that has been difficult to achieve while sitting on the bench in Madrid.

As the transfer window ticks towards its close, all eyes will be on whether Betis and Madrid can reach an agreement. For Ceballos, the motivation is clear: a return to the city and the club that gave him his footballing identity. For Real Madrid, it marks the respectful conclusion of a relationship that, while not without its highlights, never quite reached its full potential.

If the deal goes through, it would be more than just a transfer—it would be a homecoming story, the kind football fans love to see.