OM Transfer Market – Ceballos and Marseille: a deal rejected… but not dead

A saga not completely closed

OM may not have had its last word. According to Fichajes.net, the Marseille club is keeping a close eye on Dani Ceballos’s situation and could try to reopen the case as early as the winter transfer window. Already this summer, Marseille had reached an agreement with Real Madrid, but the Spanish international ultimately refused to sign, much to the regret of Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia.

A summer of missed opportunities

Everything seemed ready: transfer approved by Madrid, a clear sporting project, strong commitment from Marseille. But at the last moment, Ceballos chose to stay, leaving OM to explore other options. The arrival of Matthew O’Riley has since strengthened the Olympians’ midfield, without erasing the interest in the Madrid midfielder.

Ceballos struggling in Madrid

Under Xabi Alonso, the 29-year-old is experiencing a difficult start to the season. In La Liga, he has only played four matches for a meager total of 90 minutes. A delicate situation for a player of his stature, who is struggling to find his place in Madrid’s ultra-competitive rotation.

An opportunity to seize for OM?

On the Marseille side, they remain watchful. Despite the summer refusal, Longoria and Benatia believe Ceballos’s profile perfectly matches Roberto De Zerbi’s needs: experience, creativity, and the ability to raise the level in big games. The Italian coach would appreciate having a player capable of bringing real technical added value and impact to a still-developing midfield.

Lingering uncertainties

Yet the case is far from simple. Internal competition at Marseille is strong, and there is no guarantee that Ceballos will be more inclined to leave in January than in August. It will all depend on his playing time in the coming weeks and his relationship with Alonso.

OM has not closed the door

At 29, Dani Ceballos remains a sought-after player and an appealing profile for OM. After the bitterness of the failed summer move, the winter transfer window could offer a second chance. But this time, the Marseille club doesn’t want to waste time: if an opening arises, they must act quickly and decisively.