Dani Ceballos’s anticipated move to Olympique de Marseille has officially fallen apart. Despite advanced talks—including a loan with an obligation to buy—all parties are now walking away from the deal.
Real Madrid and Marseille had reportedly agreed on a loan structure valued at around €11–15 million, with additional variables considered. Yet the player himself voiced doubts, asking for time to reflect on the move—and ultimately decided to reject the proposal. It’s a move that appears to have left both clubs frustrated.
According to Fabrizio Romano, “the deal for Dani Ceballos to Olympique Marseille is currently OFF,” with Marseille now ready to shift focus to alternate midfield targets.
Sources close to ESPN underline that Ceballos’s desire to return to his boyhood club, Real Betis, played a central role. While the agreement between Madrid and Marseille was firm, this shift in the player’s preference threw the deal off balance.
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Further reports suggest financial disagreements may have complicated matters. Marseille had sought Madrid to subsidize a portion of Ceballos’s salary—a condition Madrid wasn’t willing to meet—adding another layer of friction.
With the Marseille door now firmly closed, Ceballos has two clear paths ahead: stay at Real Madrid and continue fighting for minutes under Xabi Alonso, or potentially rekindle his connection with Real Betis should they renew their interest.