Real Madrid Confident Despite Ceballos Exit Talks

Real Madrid are negotiating Dani Ceballos’ move to Marseille but will not seek a replacement even if the 29-year-old leaves. The club trusts academy talent Thiago Pitarch, 18, as his successor. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga is set to return only after the September international break, with Endrick also expected back, while Jude Bellingham’s recovery will take longer.

After the opening weeks of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Real Madrid find themselves in a strong position, having won both of their first two matches without conceding a goal. However, the club is also facing key developments in its midfield. Reports indicate that Dani Ceballos is close to leaving the Santiago Bernabéu, with Marseille pushing for a loan deal with a mandatory buy option, while Real Madrid prefer a direct sale. Despite this, the Spanish giants have decided not to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements.

Instead, they are backing 18-year-old academy graduate Thiago Pitarch, who has trained with the first team under Xabi Alonso and already featured in a preseason friendly, as Ceballos’ potential replacement. At the same time, injuries have left Alonso without Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick. According to reports, Camavinga will not return before the upcoming international break and is now expected back for the Real Sociedad clash on September 13 or 14.

Endrick is also targeting a return around that period, while Mendy could be back toward the end of September. Bellingham’s recovery from shoulder surgery is set to take longer. For now, Real Madrid are relying on squad depth and academy talent to navigate the coming weeks.