Ceballos at €5m wage: Atletico Madrid enter the chase

Dani Ceballos has become one of the most sought-after free agents of the summer after leaving Real Madrid. The 29-year-old midfielder’s contract was mutually terminated on 26 June, two years ahead of its original expiry in June 2027.

Atletico Madrid have now entered the race for Ceballos, making enquiries about the Spanish international. The move adds the Spanish capital club to a growing list of teams monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

Ajax are also interested, with new head coach Michel reportedly a strong admirer of Ceballos and keen to bring him to Amsterdam. Real Betis remain another serious contender, having held a long-standing interest in re-signing the player.

During his final season at Real Madrid, Ceballos earned a gross salary of around €5 million per season. Any prospective club will need to match or exceed that figure to secure his services.

Ceballos made 215 appearances for Real Madrid over nine years, scoring seven goals and providing 16 assists. Two of those seasons were spent on loan elsewhere.

The midfielder’s departure from Real Madrid follows a period that included verbal run-ins with manager Diego Simeone. Atletico Madrid’s interest adds a new dimension to Ceballos’ decision-making process.

Financial terms are expected to play a significant role in Ceballos’ final choice, alongside the sporting project on offer at each club. With no transfer fee involved, the midfielder is weighing his options carefully.

Atletico Madrid have previously been linked with Ceballos while he was still under contract at Real Madrid. Their renewed interest underscores the midfielder’s value in the current transfer market.