Dani Carvajal’s Getafe move remains possible despite stalled negotiations

Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal could still join Getafe this month, despite initial discussions over a short-term contract appearing to have broken down.

The 34-year-old defender is seeking a return to LaLiga after deciding to leave Real Madrid at the end of the 2025/26 season. He was offered a one-year contract extension but chose to end his career in the Spanish capital, in line with Real Madrid’s policy on players aged 30 and over.

Carvajal came through Real Madrid’s youth system before spending the 2012/13 season at Bayer Leverkusen. He returned to Madrid in 2013 and went on to become one of the club’s most successful players.

During his time at the club, he won four LaLiga titles and six UEFA Champions League trophies. His performances also established him as a Real Madrid legend and one of the world’s leading full-backs over the past decade.

Carvajal has attracted interest from clubs in MLS, the Saudi Pro League and the Qatar Stars League. However, his preference has been to remain in Spain for family reasons.

Talks with Getafe over a deal running until the end of the campaign had appeared to be moving in a positive direction. That changed when Getafe president Angel Torres said negotiations had collapsed.

“Everything has fallen apart, there’s nothing left,” Torres said.

The club president has since taken a less definitive position, with the cost of signing Carvajal now understood to be the central issue. Getafe are considering whether they could afford the defender, even if he accepted reduced wages.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Getafe have already reached their salary cap for the 2026/27 season. There is also reported frustration within the club over Carvajal’s desire for a clause allowing him to leave in January should he receive an attractive offer.

That condition remains a key obstacle to completing the move, although the possibility of Carvajal joining Getafe has not been ruled out.