Overview

• Dani Ceballos has approved a move to Olympique Marseille to secure regular minutes and strengthen his Spain World Cup case.
• Marseille are pursuing a loan with an option worth roughly €10–15 million, while Real Madrid prefer a permanent sale and demand at least €15 million.
• Xabi Alonso opposes a loan and does not want Ceballos to leave unless an acceptable offer arrives and a replacement is identified.
• Madrid’s shortlist features Adam Wharton as the preferred profile despite an estimated €80 million cost, with Kees Smit viewed as a cheaper alternative and Thiago Pitarch an internal option.
• With the deadline days away and injuries thinning midfield depth, Madrid face budget and timing constraints that complicate any late incoming deal.