Xabi Alonso confirms Dani Ceballos will be staying at Real Madrid

The 29-year-old Spaniard had been linked with a transfer to Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, with reports suggesting a deal was agreed before the French club withdrew their offer. A return to his former club Real Betis also surfaced as a possibility, but manager Xabi Alonso has firmly shut down any talk of a departure.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga clash with RCD Mallorca, Alonso addressed Ceballos' situation with clarity. "I spoke with him, and the decision was made that he's staying," Alonso said. "He's just another member of the squad, and I'm happy with him."

When pressed on whether Ceballos had been promised a more prominent role, Alonso remained tight-lipped. "The details, it's better he tells you. He still plays the same role as before."

Ceballos, who has often been a rotational option behind the likes of Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, now looks set to compete for his place in a stacked midfield. Alonso praised Valverde's versatility, noting his importance to the team. "He's been instrumental, leading the way," Alonso said. "He can adapt to any style of play, and that's a blessing."

The manager also provided an update on Eduardo Camavinga, whose injury-hit 2024/25 season has kept him sidelined. "I'm eager to have him back continuously," Alonso said. "He's dynamic, has quality, and fits what we want to do. He creates cohesion in the dressing room, which is vital." Camavinga is expected to return after the international break, though his exact role remains unclear.

With Bellingham and Camavinga currently unavailable, Alonso has turned to Castilla youngster Thiago Pitarch, who has impressed in training. "He's dynamic, energetic, and knows how to play between the lines," Alonso said of the 20-year-old. "He scored against Leganes, coming from the second line. He's helping us now and has the right attitude."

On the transfer front, Alonso suggested Real Madrid are unlikely to make further moves before the transfer window closes. "It's likely we're done, but we always stay vigilant," he said.

The recent signing of Dean Huijsen has bolstered the squad, with Alonso praising the young defender's ability to "pause from the back line and find the pass." He added, "The more we connect the pieces, the more stable our performance will be."

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