The Real Madrid team has an interesting proposal for the Andalusian player and this could allow the arrival of a footballer who is very well liked at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid are experiencing a solid start to the season, supported by the recent 0-3 win over Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere stadium. Nevertheless, beyond purely sporting matters, transfer rumours continue to create debate about manager Xabi Alonso’s squad. And at the center of this story, a well-known name appears: Dani Ceballos.
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The midfielder from Utrera has once again been relegated to the bench even when his coach decided to rotate four positions from the previous game. So far this season, he has only played 4 minutes out of a possible 180, a number that shows his lack of prominence. After the match, the player himself posted a cryptic message on his social media with the phrase “Last Dance”, which many interpreted as an indirect farewell.
This feeling of disharmony between the player and the club has coincided with a very specific offer: Olympique de Marseille has shown strong interest in acquiring the services of the Andalusian player. According to sources close to the club, the French club will be willing to offer him a leading role and a very attractive financial contract. This option could represent a turning point in the career of the player, who has a valid contract until 2027 but does not seem happy with his situation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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Kees Smit will be Ceballos’ replacement at Real Madrid
Meanwhile, the pieces of the upper floors of Chamartín are being moved with their eyes on the future. President Florentino Pérez and his sports planning team are keeping a close eye on Kees Smit, one of the most in-demand up-and-coming talents in European football. The 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar is considered one of the big promises in Dutch football and is already on the agenda for the Whites ahead of 2026.
However, recent events may accelerate the matter. Doubts about Ceballos’ future, the injuries that have befallen Eduardo Camavinga, and the need to deal with Arda Güler’s progression have opened the door to consider an early move. There is a feeling in Valdebebas that Smit could quickly adapt to the project and become an immediate reinforcement, even if the price set by his club, around 35 million euros, does not facilitate the operation.
The Real Madrid coach has been clear in his statements. For him, it is crucial to keep all players engaged and ready to compete, regardless of whether they are starters or replacements. Still, he also recognizes that the team’s balance depends on having players who are truly committed. And at this point, the uncertainty surrounding Ceballos is not helping.
The contrast with Smit is clear. The young Dutchman has attracted attention for his technical ability, physical presence and maturity on the pitch, qualities that align with the philosophy of a club that always bets on internationally projected players.
Marseille is not a minor player in this story. The French team has shown remarkable ambition in the recent transfer market and believes that Ceballos’ arrival would increase the competitiveness of their midfield. In addition, those in France value his experience in European competitions and his versatility to perform in various midfield positions.
The offer, apart from being financially attractive, would guarantee him a leading role, something the Utrera native will not find at the Bernabéu. And while his immediate departure is not set, the feeling is that the move could materialize in any transfer window, whether it’s winter or summer.
The current situation places Real Madrid at a clear crossroads: to strive to reintegrate Ceballos back into the team dynamic or to seize Marseille’s interest in making room for new additions. Smit emerges as the most logical option, a player who represents both the present and the future, and who can hasten his arrival if circumstances require it.
Real Madrid’s sporting management knows that every decision must be made with a long-term outlook, but also with the flexibility to adapt to the market. The pressure of competition, the challenges of La Liga and the Champions League, and the need to maintain a balanced squad will keep this story in the headlines in the coming weeks.
What seems certain is that Real Madrid do not want to fall behind. If Ceballos decides to move to Olympique de Marseille, Florentino Pérez could take immediate action to bring in Kees Smit, a name destined to resonate in the Spanish capital.
