Dani Ceballos from outcast to key man at Real Madrid

Real Madrid still have transfer market business to conduct... or so they thought. The club acknowledges the need for improvements following the Club World Cup, hence the signing of Carreras. However, this may conclude their activity, both for incoming and outgoing transfers.

Dani Ceballos was a prime candidate for an exit. The former Betis player has not featured under Xabi Alonso during the US tour, and a potential move, specifically back to Real Betis, was rumoured. However, the club's perspective has now shifted.

'AS' reports that Ceballos has transitioned from being available for sale to being indispensable. The club has realised that following Modric's departure, they lack midfielders with flair and creativity. This is where the Utrera native becomes crucial.

Given the limited market opportunities to acquire a player of his calibre or better, Real Madrid has opted to retain Ceballos for the upcoming season.

With just over a month until the transfer window closes, the club believes that no other player quite matches Ceballos's ability to influence play. At least, not without a significant financial outlay.

However, Ceballos isn't the only player whose status has changed recently. 'AS' also highlights Eduardo Camavinga, who is yet to debut under Xabi Alonso due to injury, but whom the Tolosa native considers vital to his plans.