Dani Ceballos is a name you’ve likely heard plenty of times already this summer, and the transfer window is yet to warm up properly.
The Spanish midfielder was one of the stars of Spain U21s success at the Euros, and there’s plenty of interest in him around Europe.
The Premier League could be a destination, with Liverpool, Arsenal and particularly Tottenham all keen on him. In fact, Spurs is the most likely destination, and their interest has been reported widely.
Most of the rumours have suggested a loan deal is in the offing, as Real Madrid don’t want to sell because they see Ceballos as one for the future. That suits the player too, as he wants to prove himself at the Bernabeu.
Earlier this week, though, the tone changed. AS reported that a permanent sale might actually happen and Madrid would be looking for €50m and then followed that up by saying the two clubs had opened negotiations over a loan deal.
Marca have updated the story today, and they back the idea that Tottenham are in pole position for Ceballos.
In fact, they say ‘Tottenham is the best option that fits Madrid’. That’s because of the excellent relationship between the two parties, which ‘opens the door’ to the possibility of a deal with a return clause being negotiated.
Even though Zidane has no place for Ceballos, Madrid do not want to lose him permanently, and they are resisting any deal that does not see them have the chance to bring him back. They prefer a deal that has a buyback clause and Spurs are not adverse to that idea.
There’s a deal there to be done that would suit all parties, that’s for sure. Madrid could keep a tentative hold on the player while he develops with Tottenham while Spurs get a talented player who upgrades their team.
Ceballos also gets the best of both worlds as he’s guaranteed playing time but still has his shot at the Bernabeu. It’s very much an arrangement that would have no losers.
Don’t expect it to move anytime soon, though, with Diario de Sevilla explaining that Ceballos won’t be deciding his future until after he returns from his holidays this summer.
