In Marseille, the scene becomes almost familiar. Each transfer window brings its share of hopes and disillusionments, but certain issues turn into a farce. Among them, that of a Spanish midfielder that Pablo Longoria has been coveting for months and who, at each attempt, seems to play against the Marseille club. After weeks of discussions, the person concerned once again failed at Olympique de Marseille, preferring an adventure that was unexpected to say the least.
Ceballos, the Madrid mirage
The player in question is none other than Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid midfielder, already approached last summer by OM. At the time, a loan with an option to buy was in the pipeline, and an agreement seemed close. But between the player’s hesitation and the slowness of the negotiations, the deal collapsed. Longoria, however, thought he would have a second chance this fall, convinced that the Spaniard’s lack of playing time would end up working in his favor. But the former Betis player chose another route again, leaving the Marseille management stunned.
According to FilesReal Madrid received an offer from Saudi club Neom SC, ready to pay more than 10 million euros to secure the services of Ceballos. A departure validated by Casa Blanca, which wishes to reduce its payroll. At 29, the Spaniard sees this opportunity as a way to regain a central role, far from the Madrid bench and European pressure. A decision which confirms that, for him, the Marseille perspective has never been a priority.
Longoria, still disowned
For OM, the episode has the feel of déjà vu. After the failure of the summer, this new refusal underlines the limits of the Olympian project on the international market. Ceballos symbolizes this attractive player profile on paper, but insensitive to the charm of La Canebière. Internally, annoyance is growing: Longoria, who had made it a priority to strengthen the environment, sees yet another avenue disappearing.
This second setback sounds like a brutal reminder: OM remains an attractive club, but not essential. Ironically, Dani Ceballos, in sporting decline, has just shattered the idea that“we do not refuse Marseille”. He did it twice — without batting an eyelid. It remains to be seen whether Longoria will learn the lessons of this dark series to no longer be left wandering around on the transfer market.
