Manchester United have been given a clear path to sign three-time Champions League winner Dani Ceballos without spending a penny, as the Real Madrid midfielder is available on a free transfer this summer. The 29-year-old Spanish international has no future under manager Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports indicating a new chapter is on the horizon.
Midfield overhaul at Old Trafford
United have made midfield reinforcements a clear priority this summer, given the number of expected departures. Casemiro has already left Old Trafford following the expiry of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have both been touted with moves away. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo look set to form the bedrock upon which manager Michael Carrick will build his midfield.
Ederson is set to arrive at United once the World Cup concludes, with Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni, Martin Baturina and Ayyoub Bouaddi all linked with moves to the club. However, many of these targets command hefty price tags. Tonali would cost at least £80 million, while Tchouameni's valuation has soared to a staggering £87 million.
Affordable high-calibre option
In contrast, Ceballos is on the market for nothing and would likely command a far more modest wage than his former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro, who previously made the move to United from the Spanish club. Casemiro signed a four-year deal worth an initial £60 million and pocketed £350,000 a week during his time at Old Trafford. Offloading this considerable salary from the books will come as a welcome relief for the club, who have no intention of handing out a contract of similar generosity any time soon.
Ceballos most recently earned around £4.3 million per year at Madrid, equating to roughly £85,000 a week for his contributions. To put that into context, Diogo Dalot currently takes home the very same figure at United. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful stint in the Spanish capital, racking up 215 appearances and lifting 15 major trophies, including three Champions League titles.
Strategic signing
Should United opt to bring Ceballos on board, the remainder of the midfield budget could then be directed towards more expensive targets on their wishlist. The former Arsenal loanee could prove to be an affordable yet high-calibre option for Carrick, allowing the club to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this summer.
