Spanish full-back DaniCarvajal, 34, has signed with Getafe for the rest of the season, leaving his time at RealMadrid behind. The captain of the national team and one of the icons of the merengue club of the last decade will move to the Coliseum after accepting the proposal of coach JoséBordalás, who sought to strengthen the right side of his team.
Carvajal, who had ended his contract at the Bernabéu on June 30, arrives with an impressive record: 27 titles in 451 games, including six Champions Leagues, four Leagues, two Copas del Rey and international triumphs with the Spanish team, such as Euro 2024 and the Nations League 2023. His incorporation represents a unique opportunity for Getafe, a club that rarely has players of the stature of the European elite.
The signing was completed after a negotiation in which Carvajal agreed to reduce his salary by up to 90% compared to the almost 10 million net euros he received at RealMadrid. At Getafe, his salary will be around one million euros, a figure that, although modest compared to his previous salary, will allow him to continue playing at a high level and remain close to his home. Bordalás, for his part, has indicated that Carvajal will compete with KikoFemenía for the right-back position, and that his arrival could generate changes in other areas of the team, especially if the coach opts for a three-center defense.
The full-back will also have the opportunity to participate in the Conference League, a competition in which Getafe begins its campaign on Thursday, although his participation will be delayed until February if the club remains in the group stage. In LaLiga, Carvajal will be available from next weekend. The signing has been described as a “pipe dream” that has become a reality, and the club hopes his experience and leadership will contribute to the team's performance in the second half of the season.
With the signing finalized, Getafe is now focused on integrating Carvajal into their tactical scheme and evaluating the impact he will have on the defense. The full-back's future at the club will depend on Bordalás' vision and how he adapts to the team's dynamics, but the arrival of a player with so much history and quality undoubtedly adds a new element of solidity and experience to the azulón team.