AS: Ceballos Takes a 50 Percent Pay Cut to Return to Betis

According to AS, Ceballos gave up half of his Real Madrid-era salary in order to return to Betis and rejected offers from other clubs including Ajax.

For players whose contracts expired this summer, this transfer market has not been easy. Carvajal, Joselu, Alaba, Parejo, Sancho, Sterling and Pogba are examples. Ceballos was one of the players who found a new club at the last moment. Although he did not make an appearance, he was still the main figure in Betis' victory over Real Madrid last Friday. The former Real Madrid player put everything on the line, ignored various offers and gave up money simply to return to his own club — Betis.

Mourinho's attitude was clear. Shortly after taking over as Real Madrid manager, he called the midfielder. "I don't count on you." Ceballos had never received such a message before, although Real Madrid's managers over the previous few years had never considered him a regular starter. After going through a series of twists and turns, he became a free agent. Real Madrid gave up collecting any transfer fee simply to save the remaining salary costs on the Spain international's contract, which had more than a year left.

The process of becoming a free agent was not simple. During negotiations with Real Madrid, there were tense moments, and the previously reached departure agreement was even overturned at one point. But after several summers in which options could never be finalized and both sides lacked confidence, everything was eventually resolved.

From that moment on, Ceballos blocked out outside distractions and no longer wanted to consider any other clubs, including Ajax. He had only one goal in mind. Nothing could change his decision, even though Betis were once not particularly enthusiastic about the deal. If he reached an agreement with Marseille in the summer of 2025 and it was later unilaterally torn up by the player, this time he did not want any involvement with other clubs or any further unclear situations.

As the days passed, Ceballos and Betis eventually found a solution acceptable to both sides — the midfielder gave up half of the salary he received from Real Madrid. He did not care. He only wanted to play at the club where he developed into a professional footballer, and he was almost unconcerned about giving up half of his wages. His devoted wish ultimately came true: he stayed at Betis as he hoped and can also play in the Champions League. This time, money was no longer the priority. Over the next three years, he needs to prove himself again, enjoy football and enjoy everything around him.

Other players in situations similar to Ceballos, although somewhat older, are still waiting for clubs that can allow them to continue their careers. Carvajal has received various types of offers, but his first choice is Qatar, although no offer has appeared yet. Ramos has already begun to see the coaching bench as the next step in his career, while Joselu has not given up on the idea of continuing to play.

The free-agent market remains open, but choices are decreasing, and all opportunities will no longer allow players to participate in European competitions until the 2027 winter transfer window opens. Ceballos found what he wanted, something that not every player carrying the label of a "free agent" can achieve.