Bellingham pushes teammate out of Real Madrid amid Premier League interest

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Oct 2023 17:34 BST
4 min read

Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Dani Ceballos is being pushed closer to a Real Madrid exit by Jude Bellingham's stunning form, according to Spanish media.

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It was a massive surprise when Los Blancos announced in the summer that out-of-contract midfielder Dani Ceballos had extended his stay. Reduced to a peripheral figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, many expected the former Arsenal man to depart, with Premier League sides and ex-club Real Betis interested.

The €103 million arrival of Jude Bellingham made his decision to sign a new deal even more questionable. Plagued by injury to start the season, the 27-year-old has only featured in 73 minutes since regaining his fitness - and this looks unlikely to improve much between now and January as he is deemed 'incompatible' with the English wonderkid.

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Perhaps he had hoped that Carlo Ancelotti would give him more game time in the process of phasing out veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, but the exact opposite has happened, with those two elder statesmen, rather than Ceballos, being favoured when the young guns need a rest. It is clear that it is time for him to move on.

© ProShots - Dani Ceballos (right) and Luka Modric

Ceballos for sale

According to El Nacional, Real Madrid have already transfer listed Ceballos and are willing to entertain any offers ranging between €20 million and €30m.

Despite his diminished role in Spain's capital, Ceballos' stocks remain high, particularly among Premier League bosses. The Spaniard impressed during his loan stint at Arsenal and one man in particular is still a massive fan: Unai Emery.

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The Aston Villa boss brought Ceballos to the Emirates and he is very keen indeed on signing him once again. Already in the summer, Villa were linked with a deal for the midfielder and the expectation is that they will once again try to make a move in the winter.

The Villans will face competition, however. According to recent reports, Newcastle United are now also being credited with an interest in Ceballos. The Saudi-backed side have the crucial advantage of playing in the Champions League, though who knows, Emery's high-flying Villa may also compete in Europe's premier competition next term.