Xabi Alonso makes decision on Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga future amid reports Real Madrid aim to sell midfield duo

Real Madrid head coach Alonso has reportedly made a decision on the futures of Ceballos and Camavinga, amid speculation that the club may offload the midfield duo to pave the way for a new signing in midfield, in particular to fill the void left by Toni Kroos.

This comes from a report by Cadena SER, who reveal that Alonso has blocked the exit of Ceballos and is set to hand him an integral role next season. Ceballos has been linked with a return to Real Betis, but the Andalusian outfit are in no position to either meet Madrid's asking price of €15 million (£13m/$17.5) or pay his current wages. The 28-year-old has been told by Alonso that he sees him as an "important asset" and wants him to prove his mettle in pre-season training, which begins on August 4. Ceballos has, in the past few years, evolved into a much better player, with ex-coach Carlo Ancelotti handing him a prominent role. However, injuries have prevented the former Arsenal loanee from ever cementing a place in the XI.

On the other hand, there's Camavinga, who is tied to Los Blancos until 2029. According to Cadena SER, the Frenchman's entourage suggests that a departure from the Spanish capital is "impossible" this summer. Camavinga, like Ceballos, has struggled with persistent fitness issues, but remains determined to cement his legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Although the current stance in the offices at Valdebebas is that Ceballos and Camavinga will not leave, the club does not consider any player to be indispensable. Hence, they will examine all offers that arrive during the remainder of the window. On the contrary, a new midfield signing has been indefinitely ruled out ahead of the commencement of the 2025-26 season. The 15-time European champions are said to be admirers of Rodri and would love to sign the Manchester City metronome, but they know that the Spanish international will cost €100m (£87m/$117m). Per reports from Spain, Madrid will pursue Rodri's signature next summer, when his price will drop to around €60m (£52m/$70m).

Having already signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras, it is unclear whether Madrid will further reinforce their squad. A move for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, into the final year of his contract, could yet materialise, while the club will also remain patient and wait for any other developments which they could capitalise on.