Getafe chase Real Madrid veteran Carvajal as LaLiga approval looms

Dani Carvajal, the 34‑year‑old former Real Madrid right‑back, is on the brink of joining LaLiga rivals Getafe on a free transfer. The veteran has been without a club since his departure from Real Madrid at the end of last season, and a verbal agreement has been reached with medical tests already completed. All that remains is LaLiga’s approval, with the club’s Financial Fair Play limits still to be cleared. Getty

Why Getafe need a veteran

Getafe’s head coach Jose Bordalas has personally called Carvajal, hoping the experienced defender will add depth to a squad that must compete in the league, the Copa del Rey and the Conference League. President Ángel Torres told, “We are on it”, stressing that the club’s request for a wide player turned into a search for a full‑back. The signing would provide “agua de mayo” for Bordalas, who has been demanding a longer roster to cope with three competitions.

Carvajal’s decorated résumé

The Spaniard spent 23 of the last 24 years at the Bernabéu, making 451 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 66 assists. His trophy cabinet includes six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, five UEFA Super Cups, two Copa del Reys and five Club World Cups. Individually, he featured in the Champions League Team of the Season three times and earned places in both the FIFPRO Men’s World XI and the FIFA Men’s World XI, finishing fourth in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Deal details and pending approval

Reports in Spain say Getafe have reached a verbal agreement with Carvajal and that the player has already passed the standard medical examination. The move is a free transfer; the only hurdle left is LaLiga’s sign‑off, which will determine whether the club can fit his reduced salary into its wage structure. Carvajal would leave the 18,000‑seat Estadio Coliseum, swapping the Bernabéu for a smaller home ground.

Dani Carvajal close to signing with Getafe and returning to LaLiga

AC Milan had shown interest after injuries to Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan, but Carvajal will remain in LaLiga with the 11th‑placed Getafe. The defender’s salary is expected to drop significantly from the figures he earned at Real Madrid, reflecting his free‑transfer status.

After his final appearance for Real Madrid in May, Carvajal delivered an emotional farewell speech: “Thank you for the impossible comebacks, for being here in good times and bad. There are player careers defined by their successes, but others are defined by how much they resonate with people.” He added, “I only want that tomorrow, when you remember me, you do so with pride and the certainty that I gave everything for this jersey. Yesterday, today, and always. Hala Madrid!”

Getafe in advanced talks to sign free‑agent Dani Carvajal

Carvajal’s move is unlikely to be finalised before Getafe’s first match after the international break, when they travel to leaders Barcelona. The club will have to wait for LaLiga’s decision before confirming his registration and eligibility to play.