As things stand, as many as seven Real Madrid players are out of contract in June: Modric, Kroos, Asensio, Benzema, Nacho, Mariano and Ceballos.

For now, the only deal Madrid have done for 2023/24 is the signing of Fran García. “An agreement has been reached,” Rayo’s president says.

Of the Madrid players whose futures are up in the air, Dani Ceballos is the chief doubt. Per Cadena SER, he hasn’t yet been offered a new contract.

At 26, Ceballos is now playing with the confidence he’s always lacked at Madrid. Since impressing at Villarreal last month, he’s been ever-present.

One of Los Blancos’ most in-form players, he has started five games in a row: against Athletic, Atlético, Real Sociedad, Valencia and Mallorca.

Against La Real, he had a 92% pass-completion rate, completed 100% of his dribbles and won 85% of his duels. As against Valencia, he was given an ovation by the Bernabéu.

Ceballos is Madrid’s driving force in midfield, and is showing great versatility. He can operate anywhere in Los Merengues’ engine room.

Ceballos is blessed with great vision,  is skilful with ball at feet, and his passing helps knit the team together. This term, he's supplied four assists.

Right now, Ceballos isn’t thinking about his contract situation: “At the moment, I’ve just got to focus on working my socks off; I haven’t spoken to the club.”

“When the time comes, we’ll assess everything. A month and a half ago, I wasn’t getting much game time. For now, I just want to enjoy my football.”