OM transfer window: Ceballos — what went wrong

We thought the deal was wrapped up: Dani Ceballos was set to arrive in Marseille on a loan with an option to buy. Everything seemed ready, and then... things went cold! According to RMC Sport, the Spaniard asked for extra time to think about his future. That hesitation didn’t go down well with the OM hierarchy. As a result, Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia decided to walk away from the deal.

The player stalls, OM loses patience

Just when OM wanted a clear answer, Ceballos hit the brakes. In Spain, Diario de Sevilla reports that Betis asked him to wait so they could find a solution and finance a return. Understandable from the player’s perspective, but it irked our executives: with only a few days left in the transfer window, there’s no time to waste.

A strategy embraced by Longoria

It’s not the first time the club has cut short this kind of situation. In the past, with Lucien Agoumé, we saw a similar scenario: advanced talks, but uncertainty dragged on too long. Once again, OM is choosing to prioritize players who are motivated and 100% committed, rather than waiting for a player who hesitates. A clear message sent to the dressing room and the supporters.

What next for the transfer window?

Pulling out of the Ceballos deal doesn’t change the bottom line: OM needs to strengthen its midfield. And if Adrien Rabiot leaves as well, they may need to recruit two players before the window closes. Several avenues remain open, such as Hamed Junior Traoré, already well advanced, and Florentino Luis.

And you, Team OM?

Do you understand Longoria’s decision to drop the Ceballos pursuit? Should they have insisted despite his hesitation? Who would you like to see come in instead? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re reading!