As Real Madrid prepares for a major squad overhaul this summer, one of their midfielders is already plotting his exit—and dreaming of a return to where it all began.

Dani Ceballos, the Spanish playmaker who once showed flashes of brilliance at the Santiago Bernabéu, has found himself on the periphery. After returning from a loan spell at Arsenal, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from cementing a regular spot. Now, with his contract ticking down, the club is ready to move on.

According to reports, Ceballos's heart is set on a return to Real Betis—the club he calls home. He's even willing to take a pay cut to make it happen. But it hasn't been an easy final stretch in Madrid. Both coaching staff members Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa have shown little faith in him this season, with Arbeloa reportedly dropping him from the squad entirely after a disagreement. That has cost Ceballos precious game time he was hoping to use as a showcase for potential suitors.

Real Madrid have slapped a €10 million price tag on the midfielder, whose contract runs until June 2027. The club is eager to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer. But given his lack of recent minutes, finding a buyer willing to meet that valuation won't be simple.

Ceballos's biggest regret? In 2023, he had a chance to leave as a free agent and rejoin Betis. Instead, he signed an extension after being promised a bigger role—a promise that never came to pass. Now, he's determined to put his football first and find a fresh start.