Dani Carvajal has been free on the market since 30 June, when he ended a 13-season spell at Real Madrid. Reports in Spain now say Getafe are close to taking him on a free transfer, but LaLiga's financial control approval is still required before anything can be completed.
The registration hurdle
The strongest read from the reporting is simple enough. The move looks close, but it is still being held up by league checks and by Getafe's limited wage room. A Bola reported that Carvajal is a small step away from becoming a Getafe reinforcement, while SPORT1 said LaLiga's economic requirements are the biggest hurdle for a possible free transfer.
That leaves the story sitting in an awkward place for both clubs. The agreement side is being pushed by reports from A Bola and goal.com, but the registration side still has to clear the league's financial control process.
Getafe's need for another right-back
The timing fits Getafe's squad needs as well. José Bordalás' side are preparing for La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Conference League, and they have already lost Kiko Femenia to a hamstring tear in his left leg since early September. They also have two right-backs on their books, including Andres Garcia on loan from Aston Villa.
Their league start has been steady rather than convincing. Getafe are 11th with 8 points from their opening 7 fixtures, and their goal difference is -3. That is the sort of position where a veteran free agent starts to make sense, especially one with Carvajal's level of experience and a recent league outing for Madrid that still carried 84 minutes and a 6.6 rating in May.
The move is close, then, but it is not done. Until LaLiga's financial control signs off, Getafe cannot turn that interest into a formal signing.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
