OM: Dani Ceballos, the bitter betrayal

The perfect target that got away

This summer, OM thought they had their marquee signing in Dani Ceballos. An agreement with Real Madrid, a player ready to leave, a perfect profile to offset Rabiot’s departure… Everything seemed aligned. Then, abruptly, the Spanish midfielder backtracked. A refusal that cooled the mood at La Commanderie, even as Roberto De Zerbi was calling for another technical maestro for his midfield.

A hectic window and a missed move

Late August had already been electric: O’Riley and Vermeeren arrived in a hurry, but OM wanted a blockbuster signing to stabilize their project. Ceballos embodied that ambition, at 29, with his European experience and Madrid pedigree. Instead, the saga ended with a bitter aftertaste, a sense of missed opportunity that still sticks with the supporters.

Turkey ready to pull the trigger

According to Tutto Juve, the Süper Lig is now in pole position. Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas have all positioned themselves, ready to meet his financial demands. Where OM backed off, the Istanbul giants could strike. And seeing Ceballos shine elsewhere, in a league that loves to welcome players from La Liga or Ligue 1, would only reinforce the feeling of a squandered opportunity among Marseille fans.

A real Marseille disappointment

At the Vélodrome, they console themselves by saying the squad has still been strengthened. But it’s impossible to forget that Ceballos was within reach. His refusal is felt as a betrayal, all the more bitter because OM were offering him a major role, far from the Madrid bench. A page turned reluctantly, but one that will leave its mark on this 2025 transfer window.