The strained relationship between Dani Ceballos and Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has escalated into a full-blown rift. After falling out with the manager, the midfielder was left off the squad list for Sunday’s Clásico against Barcelona. On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo revealed how the conflict reportedly began.
According to the report, tensions flared when Ceballos discovered that Arbeloa had not given him favorable references to clubs interested in signing him. Despite having a contract until June 2027, the player is eager to leave Madrid next season, which made him particularly upset by the lack of support.
Before that, Ceballos was already frustrated over his limited playing time under Arbeloa. The fact that he received fewer minutes than youth academy players like Thiago Pitarch only added to his discontent.
The Spanish midfielder continues to train with the squad but has been excluded from matchday selections. The situation appears unlikely to change, and he is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. During the last transfer window, Ceballos came close to joining Lyon, but the deal fell