Marseille are targeting Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos as Adrien Rabiot’s replacement. The 29-year-old, a three-time Champions League winner, has struggled for minutes in Madrid and hinted at an imminent exit with a “Last Dance” post.
Olympique de Marseille are closely monitoring Dani Ceballos as they search for a replacement for Adrien Rabiot, who has been pushed out of the squad following disciplinary issues.
The French midfielder, once a central figure for the club, has been placed on the transfer list, leaving a significant gap in the middle of the park. Marseille believe Ceballos, currently with Real Madrid, could be the ideal candidate to fill that role.
Ceballos, 29, has been tied to Real Madrid since 2017 after joining from Real Betis in a deal that was seen as a move for the future. Though highly regarded for his technique, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of games, his time at Madrid has been complicated by the extraordinary competition he has faced. Shortly after his arrival, he found himself behind the legendary trio of Casemiro, Luka Modrić, and Toni Kroos, arguably one of the greatest midfield combinations in modern football. Later, as Madrid refreshed their midfield, the emergence of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and now the teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has further limited his opportunities.
Between 2019 and 2021, Ceballos spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal, where he enjoyed more regular minutes under then-manager Mikel Arteta. His time in England was mixed: he showed flashes of his playmaking talent and work rate, but inconsistency and injuries prevented him from cementing himself as a long-term option for the Gunners. Nevertheless, those years provided valuable experience in the Premier League and broadened his tactical adaptability.
Back at Madrid, Ceballos has contributed as a squad player, often used to rotate in domestic competitions or as a substitute in high-profile Champions League ties. He has three Champions League titles with Los Blancos, yet he has never been considered a guaranteed starter. That lack of consistent playing time now appears to be pushing him towards a new challenge.
Fueling speculation further, Ceballos took to social media after Real Madrid’s most recent game, posting the cryptic phrase “The Last Dance.” Many interpreted the message as a clear sign that his time at the Bernabéu is coming to an end, with a transfer expected before the close of the window.
Marseille see in Ceballos the qualities they need to replace Rabiot creativity, technical assurance, and the ability to control possession. While Rabiot offered athleticism and versatility, his disciplinary problems have forced the club to look elsewhere. The French international’s exit leaves a leadership void in midfield, and Ceballos, with his experience at one of the world’s biggest clubs, could step into that responsibility.
The French club are also in a transitional period under new management and are looking to re-establish themselves as serious contenders in Ligue 1 and on the European stage. Signing a player of Ceballos’s pedigree would send a message to rivals Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, and Lyon that Marseille are ready to invest in proven quality.
From Madrid’s perspective, Ceballos is a player they admire but no longer see as central to their long-term plans. The club’s strategy has been clear: younger players such as Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Mastantuono are being groomed to carry the midfield into the next decade, while Modrić and Kroos, though in the twilight of their careers, continue to play decisive roles. In such a crowded environment, Ceballos finds himself the odd man out. A move abroad particularly to a club where he can be a regular starter may finally allow him to showcase his talent consistently.
Negotiations are expected to hinge on financial details. Real Madrid will not demand an exorbitant fee, recognizing the player’s limited role in the squad, but Marseille must still balance the costs within their budget. Wages may also be an obstacle, though the lure of becoming a central figure in Ligue 1 could appeal to Ceballos at this stage of his career.
For Marseille fans, the potential arrival of Ceballos sparks excitement. The Spaniard’s flair, combined with his Champions League-winning experience, could add a new dimension to their midfield. After the controversy surrounding Rabiot, signing a disciplined and technically gifted player might be exactly what the club needs to stabilize the dressing room and push forward with ambition.
What remains clear is that Ceballos stands at a crossroads. After years of waiting in the shadows at Madrid, a move to Marseille could provide the opportunity for him to finally be the centerpiece of a major European team rather than a supporting actor. His “Last Dance” post may well have been a farewell message to the Bernabéu, and if Marseille can close the deal, the Stade Vélodrome could soon be welcoming a player eager to prove that he still belongs among Europe’s elite midfielders.
