Dani Ceballos has hinted he is open to a summer move away from Real Madrid by saying: “Next year I want to play 40 matches.”
The talented midfielder has started just 28 matches across two full seasons in the Spanish capital despite avoiding injuries, and has been largely a fringe figure under Coach Zinedine Zidane.
On Sunday, Diario AS cited a report from Italian outlet Sport Mediaset which claims the Spain Under-21 international could join Milan on a two-year loan deal, and even speak of a €35m option to buy him permanently.
“I've always said that I have a four-year contract with Madrid, but it's true that I'm happy when I am playing football,” Ceballos told reporters, as cited by Diario AS.
“When I feel important on the pitch and with confidence it is much easier, so next year I want to play 40 matches.
“I am aspiring to win but above all to target lifting the European Championship in 2020 , which for me is a tremendous dream.”
Ceballos joined Madrid from Betis for €16m in 2017 but has started just 17 times in La Liga and just twice in the Champions League and has often appeared to be a fringe figure.
The Spain international started and scored in March’s 3-2 victory over Huesca – his first home goal for the club – but was selected just once more in the 10 matches since.
Madrid have spent over €300m on five new signings this summer but so far have only sold Marcos Llorente and have a hugely bloated 36-man first-team squad.
