Dani Ceballos’s future remains uncertain, as Real Madrid and head coach Carlo Ancelotti differ on the midfielder’s contract renewal.

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Spanish club are reportedly unsure about renewing Dani Ceballos’ contract, with their interest in English midfielder Jude Bellingham playing a significant role in the decision-making process.

However, Carlo Ancelotti is said to have a different view on the matter.

According to Diario AS, the Italian coach is keen on renewing the Utrera-born midfielder’s contract.

Ancelotti sees Ceballos as a quality rotation option who can provide relief to the starting lineup. Additionally, the Real Madrid coach plans to include Ceballos in occasional starting elevens throughout the season, considering the club’s participation in multiple competitions.

The decision on Ceballos’ future could be impacted by Ancelotti’s own situation at Real Madrid.

Club president Florentino Pérez reportedly has doubts about the Italian coach’s long-term role at the club, with speculation suggesting that this season might be Ancelotti’s last dance with Los Blancos.

Ceballos made his first-team debut for Real Betis in April 2014 and quickly established himself as a promising young talent in La Liga. His performances at Betis earned him a move to Real Madrid in July 2017 for a reported fee of €18 million. At Real Madrid, Ceballos found it challenging to secure regular playing time due to the strong competition in midfield.

Seeking more game time, Ceballos joined English Premier League side Arsenal on a season-long loan for the 2019-20 season. Under then-manager Unai Emery and later Mikel Arteta, Ceballos helped the team win the FA Cup in his first season. His loan was extended for the 2020-21 season, during which Ceballos played an ever-diminishing role with the side.

On the international stage, Ceballos has represented Spain at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2018.

He was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.