Sofia Quijada
Arbeloa Clashes with Ceballos as Real Madrid Midfielder Faces Exit
Alvaro Arbeloa has built solid relationships with most of the Real Madrid squad since his January appointment. Yet divisions persist within the squad, with the latest involving Dani Ceballos, a Spanish midfielder struggling through the 2025-26 campaign.
The conflict emerged when Arbeloa excluded Ceballos from Friday’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis. According to Javier Herráez (via Cadena SER), the dropped midfielder had disagreed with his manager over playing time following a recent injury recovery. Ceballos believed he warranted more minutes than Arbeloa provided upon his return.
“Today he was not called up because he had a disagreement with the coach. He was injured and he understands that he deserved more minutes than Arbeloa has given him.”
This tension mirrors earlier rifts. Arbeloa previously had conflicts with Raul Asencio, benching the young defender for several matches, and with club captain Dani Carvajal. The manager’s confrontational approach toward peripheral squad members suggests Ceballos may receive minimal action for the remainder of the season.
Summer Departure Appears Inevitable
The discord makes Ceballos‘s exit this summer increasingly certain. The midfielder actively seeks regular football elsewhere, and Real Madrid will facilitate his departure for a suitable offer. Ajax have already signaled interest in bringing him to the Netherlands, while Real Betis his former club monitor developments closely. Ceballos has history with Betis and the Andalusian side has attempted multiple reunions in recent years. A 2026 move back to southern Spain represents a logical fit, pending an acceptable package for Los Blancos.
Follow TipsGG’s coverage of Real Madrid‘s squad dynamics and transfer movements as the season progresses.
Read also: Real Madrid Set to Dismiss Arbeloa With Four Candidates on Replacement Shortlist