After winning a record 14th Champions League last season, numerous veteran players left as their contracts expired, allowing Real Madrid to free up a significant portion of their pay bill.
At the end of the 2023 season, Real will have almost a half-dozen players that are out of contract. Many of them are senior icons of the club, some are shunned rejects who know they will not be offered a contract renewal by the club, while others are individuals whose future is yet uncertain.
Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Mariano Diaz, Nacho Fernandez, Dani Ceballos, and Marco Asensio are the seven players whose contracts expire in 2023.
As reported by Marca (via Mundo Deportivo), Los Blancos have no intentions to hand Dani Ceballos a new contract.
Ceballos returned to Real after an unimpressive loan term at Arsenal, and contrary to popular thought, he fared admirably in the final few weeks of the season, playing an important role in both the LaLiga and Champions League triumphs.
The 26-year-old had hoped for regular playing time at Real Madrid, but despite a surprising resurrection that has turned him into a fan favourite, he has been unable to get it.
Real Madrid’s reasoning for not being able to provide Ceballos with consistent minutes is largely legitimate. It is quite challenging for him to receive consistent minutes since the midfield is utterly crowded.
Many, however, regard him as the ideal alternative for Luka Modric, whose contract expires in 2023 but is almost expected to be renewed for another season, if not more, making the argument for Ceballos all the more uncertain with less assurance of the future.
Ceballos’ potential has been on show in recent months, and there is no question he is a quality player, but it looks that his future is not with Real Madrid. The midfielder has been linked with a return to Real Betis if he is not granted a new contract by Real Madrid.