Dani Ceballos makes surprise Bernabeu appearance as Real Betis wait on transfer

Dani Ceballos made a surprise appearance at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday as he waits to discover where he will play next, with a return to Real Betis still his main objective.

The former Real Madrid midfielder watched his old side beat Malaga 4-0 from a VIP box, taking the opportunity to attend the match while negotiations over his future continue.

Ceballos, 30, was shown by the stadium cameras after Kylian Mbappe scored, drawing attention from supporters who were pleased to see the former Real Madrid player back at the ground.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, fewer than 24 hours remained before the transfer window closed, with Ceballos’ preferred destination understood to be Real Betis. The Andalusian club is the team he wants to rejoin after leaving in 2017 to sign for Real Madrid.

The player is currently training on his own in the Spanish capital while he waits for the situation to be resolved. Despite the limited time available before the deadline, no agreement has yet been completed and his next club remains uncertain.

Recent moves by the Real Betis hierarchy suggest Ceballos’ return is now closer than it has been at any previous stage of the negotiations. However, the deal is still not done, with player registration problems at the Andalusian club representing the main obstacle.

Ceballos reportedly rejected an attractive offer from Ajax at the start of the summer. The proposal was considered highly appealing both financially and from a sporting perspective, but the midfielder believes his future lies at Real Betis and nowhere else.

His appearance at the Bernabeu came as Real Madrid secured a comfortable victory over Malaga. Ceballos did not want to miss the chance to return to the stadium, where he spent part of his career, and watched on as his former team-mates completed a convincing win.

The midfielder’s attendance also provided a visible reminder of the uncertainty surrounding his situation. He remains without a confirmed destination while Real Betis work to overcome the registration issue that is holding up the proposed move.

With the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, Ceballos’ desire to return to the club where he began his senior career is clear. The remaining question is whether Real Betis can complete the necessary arrangements in time to bring him back from Real Madrid.