OM transfer market: Dani Ceballos has already said yes, Real are keeping the suspense going

This might be the big thrill at the end of the transfer window: Dani Ceballos has already agreed to join Olympique de Marseille! According to Matteo Moretto (DAZN) and confirmed by RMC Sport, the 29-year-old Spanish midfielder has said yes to the Marseille project, salary included (around €6m per year). In other words: on the player’s side, everything is set. But one final hurdle remains—and a major one: Real Madrid.

Agreement with the player, check&nbsp

In an already spectacular window for OM, seeing a player of Ceballos’s caliber arrive would look like a massive coup. He’s been at Arsenal, was a starter under Ancelotti last season, European champion with Spain U21… Ceballos ticks all the boxes: experience, technique, grit. And above all, he wants playing time. In Madrid, since Xabi Alonso arrived, he’s fallen behind Arda Güler and has only racked up 75 minutes across eight matches. A demotion that opens the door to his departure.

Real Madrid, the final hurdle

That’s where things get tricky. OM and Real are still discussing the structure: a loan with an option to buy (which could become mandatory under certain conditions), or a straight transfer at €12–15m. Madrid wants to safeguard its interests, Marseille wants to manage a budget already strained by the arrivals of Paixão, Medina, Gomes, Weah and Aubameyang. The battle is being fought in the offices.

Why Ceballos would be perfect for De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi wants a technical, creative midfielder capable of being a true playmaker. Ceballos is exactly that profile: vision, composure under pressure, ability to dictate the tempo. With Adrien Rabiot’s situation still unclear, this signing could be more than a luxury: a necessity. Let’s not kid ourselves: imagining a Højbjerg–Gomes–Ceballos trio is exciting, isn’t it?

A deal symbolic of the new-look OM

Beyond the pitch, this deal would send a clear signal: OM are aiming high. After betting big this summer, bringing in a player trained at Real and used to the Champions League also asserts that we’re not settling for “pretty promises.” We want players ready to perform right away and bring real added value.

So, friends, what do you think? Is this Ceballos deal the cherry on top of an already massive transfer window? Or do you fear it will sink our finances even further? Over to you to debate in the comments!