Dani Ceballos chooses Real Betis return after Ajax interest
The Spanish midfielder has reportedly rejoined his former club on a deal running until 2029, ending Ajax’s hopes of taking him to Amsterdam.
UnconfirmedThis report is based on Dutch media speculation and has not been confirmed by the clubs or players involved.
Dani Ceballos has completed a return to Real Betis after being linked with Ajax earlier in the transfer window, according to FCUpdate. The Spanish midfielder signed on deadline day and has agreed a contract lasting until the middle of 2029.
Ajax reportedly showed significant interest in Ceballos, particularly during the opening part of the window. Spanish media linked him frequently with a move to Amsterdam in June, with Diario AS at one stage describing the transfer as very close. However, Ceballos preferred a return to Betis, who first needed to create room within their wage budget before completing the deal ahead of the Spanish market closing at 23:59.
The move takes Ceballos back to the club for whom he previously made 105 appearances. He left Betis for Real Madrid in 2017 in a transfer worth €16 million and later spent the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons on loan at Arsenal.
During his time as a Real Madrid player, Ceballos won the Champions League three times and became a Spanish champion twice. His Betis return, nine years after his departure, means Ajax have missed out on one of the ambitious midfield options linked with the club earlier in the summer.
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