Real Betis Making Space to Sign Ceballos

The return of the Andalusian is one of the priorities in Heliópolis and they are speeding up an important exit to be able to sign him.

Héctor Andreu | 17 Jun 2026 | 15.54
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Dani Ceballos very close to Betis / La Razón
Dani Ceballos very close to Betis / La Razón

Dani Ceballos is once again at the center of Real Betis' transfer planning, but his return to Heliópolis does not depend solely on his wish. The Verdiblanco club needs to free up salary space and generate income before going for the Real Madrid midfielder, who has only one year left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The key may lie with Giovani Lo Celso. Betis was closely watching Argentina's debut against Algeria in the World Cup, hoping the Argentine could get minutes alongside Lionel Messi and enhance his market value. However, he did not play, so Heliópolis will have to wait.

Dani Ceballos, Real Betis' creative desire

The name of Dani Ceballos has long been linked to Real Betis. The player from Utrera has never hidden his connection with the club where he developed, and now a real opportunity arises, though full of financial obstacles. The player would be willing to significantly lower his salary to return, but would still remain among the highest-paid in the squad.

The issue is twofold. On one hand, Real Madrid does not want to let him go for free. On the other, Betis already has a heavily loaded salary structure in the offensive and creative zone. Isco, Pablo Fornals, Álvaro Fidalgo, Antony, and Lo Celso himself occupy significant profiles in Manuel Pellegrini's project.

Ceballos, 29 years old, is under contract until 2027 and maintains a high salary according to Verdiblanco standards. His arrival would require an imaginative operation: manageable transfer, adjusted salary, and possibly a long contract to compensate for the player's personal effort.

Giovani Lo Celso could open up the market

Giovani Lo Celso is under contract with Betis until 2028 and earns over 5 million euros gross per season, a very significant figure within the club's salary structure. Therefore, a good performance with Argentina in the World Cup would be excellent news for the sports management.

Manuel Pellegrini would not mind continuing with the Argentine, but the squad needs balance. There are too many players capable of receiving between the lines, filtering passes, and moving inside. In that context, Lo Celso's departure would allow the club to make money and create space for a different piece.

The next opportunity will come against Austria. If Argentina wins and secures their qualification, Lo Celso could have more chances in the last match against Jordan. That international showcase is crucial for attracting financially strong clubs.

Betis speeds up for Ceballos

Real Madrid will not give Dani Ceballos away

Real Madrid knows that Dani Ceballos is in his last year of the contract, but they do not want to lose him without making money. In Chamartín, they understand that the midfielder still has a market and that his quality can attract interest beyond Spain.

Ajax has already emerged as one of the clubs attentive to his situation, although the player's desire may tip the balance. Ceballos prioritizes feeling important, having continuity, and enjoying a leading role again, something he has not been able to achieve stably in Madrid.

LaLiga forces Betis to measure every move

The economic situation of LaLiga forces Betis to act with precision. It is not enough to want a player: salaries, amortizations, and exits must be balanced. That's why the Ceballos operation moves at the pace of the market, not just the parties' will.

The Verdiblanco club needs to sell well or reduce contracts before making such a significant signing. Lo Celso's departure would be the clearest way, but not the only one. Other movements in the midfield could also occur to organize the squad.

Dani Ceballos remains the great dream to elevate Betis' midfield, but everything points to a patient operation. If Lo Celso finds a destination and Real Madrid accepts a reasonable figure, Heliópolis will once again be excited for one of the most anticipated returns.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Betis ya hace hueco para fichar a Ceballos