MADRID — Real Madrid and midfielder Dani Ceballos have reached a definitive decision to part ways, bringing an end to the 29-year-old's tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu. The move comes following a squad assessment by newly appointed manager José Mourinho, who has indicated that the Andalusian midfielder does not feature in his plans for the upcoming season.

Both parties are currently in negotiations to finalize the formal termination of Ceballos's contract. According to reports from Diario AS, the midfielder has agreed to forfeit the final year of his current deal, a strategic decision intended to facilitate his departure and grant him the freedom to choose his next destination as a free agent.

Return to Real Betis

While Ceballos had previously been linked with a potential move to Ajax earlier this May, his most likely destination is now Real Betis Balompié. A return to the Benito Villamarín has long been the midfielder's personal preference, and the club has maintained a sustained interest in bringing him back to his boyhood side. The structure of the exit a contract termination rather than a traditional transfer is particularly advantageous for Betis, as it removes the burden of a significant transfer fee.

A New Chapter Under Mourinho

Ceballos’s departure is part of a broader restructuring effort at Real Madrid since the arrival of José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has been tasked with refreshing the squad, and Ceballos is among the players identified as surplus to requirements for the new project. Despite his struggles for consistent playing time in recent seasons, Ceballos remains a player with significant experience, and his move is expected to provide him with the regular first-team football he has been seeking.

As negotiations conclude, Ceballos is expected to officially close the chapter on his Real Madrid career in the coming days, paving the way for his anticipated homecoming in Seville.