Ajax has given up on signing Dani Ceballos, leaving Real Betis as the only candidate to acquire the Utrera midfielder, who became a free agent after leaving Real Madrid.
Dani Ceballos's future is increasingly leaning towards Benito Villamarín. Ajax, which had been one of the main interested parties in the Utrera midfielder for weeks, has decided to withdraw from the bidding, as reported by journalist Matteo Moretto. The Dutch club, which had previously attempted to sign him while Ceballos was still at Real Madrid, has grown tired of waiting and has cleared the way for Real Betis, which now appears to be the only possible destination for the player.
The 30-year-old player ended his contract with Real Madrid on June 30 and has since been the subject of interest from several clubs. However, negotiations have gradually faded over the weeks. Ajax, managed by Míchel, had shown firm interest and even made a formal offer, but the player's indecision and financial demands reportedly cooled the interest from the Amsterdam side.
Real Betis, on the other hand, has remained calm and has worked behind the scenes to facilitate the return of a homegrown player who has always expressed his desire to wear the green and white again. The board led by Ángel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo have been cautious in their moves, aware that the operation required patience. In fact, Haro warned a few days ago that they would not create 'soap operas' around the signing, in clear reference to the rumours and conflicting information.
With Ajax out of the equation, Betis finds itself in a strong position to negotiate directly with the player. Ceballos, who came through the Betis academy and made his first-team debut in 2014, has always maintained a special bond with the fans and the city. His return would be a luxury reinforcement for the midfield, where the squad led by Manuel Pellegrini is looking for a creative and experienced profile.
However, the operation is not yet closed. Details of the contract, its duration, and the financial conditions still need to be defined, which must align with the financial reality of the green and white club. Ceballos arrives as a free agent, allowing Betis to save on a transfer fee, but his salary at Real Madrid was high, and both parties will need to make an effort to reach an agreement.
Time is on Betis's side, but it is also running out. The transfer market remains open, and other clubs could emerge on the horizon, although for now, the picture is clear: Ajax has thrown in the towel, and Betis is the only destination on the table. The Betis fans, excited about the possible return of one of their own, hope that negotiations will bear fruit in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Ceballos continues to train on his own while waiting to define his future. His desire, as he has expressed on several occasions, is to feel important again and enjoy football. At Betis, with the affection of the fans and an exciting project, he could find the perfect setting to relaunch his career.
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