Left Real Madrid, now on Beşiktaş’s shortlist: Dani Ceballos emerges as a prime target
Beşiktaş are pushing hard to reshape their squad ahead of the new season, and the next marquee name on their agenda is Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos, now a free agent after the expiry of his contract with Real Madrid. Following the arrival of Leandro Trossard, the Istanbul giants are working to add another high-profile name to strengthen their attacking structure and raise the team’s title aspirations in the Süper Lig.
According to the latest internal planning, Beşiktaş’s transfer committee has placed Ceballos on its priority list. The 29‑year‑old’s situation is particularly attractive: with no transfer fee required, negotiations would revolve around salary, bonuses and project, rather than a hefty upfront payment. This opens a rare window for Beşiktaş to bring in a player with elite European experience without breaking the bank on a fee.
Competition, however, is fierce. Ceballos is reportedly being monitored closely by his former club Real Betis as well as Dutch powerhouse Ajax. Both sides see the technically gifted Spaniard as an ideal fit for their possession-based styles. Despite that, it is understood that Ceballos is not closed to the idea of continuing his career in Turkey and is open to a move to Istanbul, where he would likely become one of the central figures of the project rather than a rotation piece.
The push for Ceballos is directly linked to head coach Vincenzo Italiano’s demands. The Italian manager has been calling for a “high-tempo, mobile No. 10” who can both orchestrate play and contribute to pressing. Ceballos, known for his tight ball control, low‑risk distribution and ability to link midfield with attack, fits this profile more as a playmaking hub than as a pure goal‑scoring attacking midfielder.
Ceballos came through the academy of Real Betis, where his talent quickly attracted attention from Spain’s top clubs. In 2017, Real Madrid moved decisively to secure his signature, paying Betis a transfer fee of 16.5 million euros. At the time, he was considered one of the most promising midfielders of his generation in Spain, combining flair with aggression and work rate.
His career then took him beyond La Liga. In the summer of 2019, he headed to the Premier League on a loan move to Arsenal. Over two seasons in England, he experienced the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League, adding a new layer to his game. After that two‑year spell in London, he returned to Real Madrid, where he mostly served as a valuable squad player in a star‑studded midfield.
Statistically, Ceballos’s profile underlines that he is a facilitator rather than a prolific scorer. Across 10 seasons in La Liga, he has made a total of 200 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 10 assists. Seventeen direct goal contributions in 200 matches might look modest for a classic No. 10, but his main strength lies in ball progression, circulation, and breaking lines with his passing rather than finishing moves himself.
What truly stands out in his résumé is his trophy cabinet. During his time with Real Madrid, Ceballos collected silverware at an extraordinary rate. His honours include 3 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga championships, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 1 Intercontinental-type title and 3 FIFA Club World Cup crowns. Even if he was not always a guaranteed starter, training and playing in that environment has given him a deep understanding of elite standards and winning mentality.
For Beşiktaş, this pedigree is a major selling point. The club is determined to return to the top of Turkish football and compete strongly in Europe. Adding a player who has shared a dressing room with some of the best in the world and played under top-tier coaches could significantly raise the tactical IQ and professionalism within the squad. Ceballos could also be a reference point for younger players, particularly Turkish talents trying to make the next step.
There are, of course, questions being raised about his suitability for the role Beşiktaş need most. Some observers point out that a player who has registered only 7 league goals in 200 games might not be the ideal solution if the club is seeking a consistently decisive attacking midfielder. They argue that his natural role sits somewhere between a deep‑lying playmaker (No. 6/8) and a linking No. 10, not as a pure finisher in the final third.
On the other hand, many see him as exactly the type of “connector” Beşiktaş have been missing: a player who can receive the ball under pressure, play quick one‑twos, support tiki‑taka‑style combinations and provide incisive final passes. In this view, Ceballos does not need to score 10-15 goals per season; his job would be to knit the team together and allow the attacking trio ahead of him to flourish.
Under Vincenzo Italiano, such a profile could be crucial. The Italian coach is known for high‑intensity, front‑foot football, where the No. 10 constantly moves between the lines, helps with the press and offers passing options to both defenders and forwards. Ceballos’s mobility, press resistance and short‑passing game could make him an ideal “link station” between the holding midfielder and the front line. Used correctly, he could transform Beşiktaş’s transitions from laboured to fluid.
Financially, signing a free agent like Ceballos would still be a significant investment. His wage demands are expected to be substantial, reflecting his experience at one of the world’s biggest clubs and his age, still close to his prime. Beşiktaş must carefully balance the cost of a long‑term contract against the potential resale value, which may be limited for a 29‑year‑old, and the sporting impact he can deliver over the next three to four seasons.
Another factor is adaptation. The Turkish Süper Lig has its own rhythm and intensity, and some technically gifted midfielders have struggled to cope with the physicality and the pressure of playing for one of Istanbul’s big clubs. However, Ceballos’s exposure to the Premier League and his background in high‑tempo Spanish football suggest he has the tools to adjust, provided he arrives with the right mindset and fitness level.
If the move materialises, Ceballos could also reshape Beşiktaş’s existing midfield hierarchy. A partnership with a dynamic Turkish midfielder behind him could allow him to operate in pockets of space, constantly offering himself between the lines. His ability to dictate the tempo, slow the game down when needed and accelerate it with one pass would give Beşiktaş more control in matches, particularly against deep‑defending opponents.
There is also a psychological dimension. Bringing in a player who has lifted the Champions League multiple times sends a strong message to rivals and supporters alike: Beşiktaş intend to compete not just domestically but also to make meaningful runs in European competitions. Such signings can energise the fan base, increase competition in training and set new benchmarks in terms of professionalism and expectations.
In summary, Dani Ceballos represents a calculated gamble with considerable upside for Beşiktaş. He may not be a prolific scorer, but he offers rare technical quality, top‑level experience and a profile that aligns closely with the coach’s tactical demands. With Real Betis and Ajax circling, the race for his signature will likely come down to sporting guarantees, playing time and the persuasiveness of the long‑term project. If Beşiktaş can convince him, they would add a proven winner and a refined playmaker to a squad aiming to return to the summit of Turkish football.