The former Real Madrid right-back has been a free agent since his contract at the Bernabéu expired on June 30 and had spent the summer training alone while considering his next move.
Getafe have now emerged as his destination, with manager José Bordalás playing an important role in convincing the veteran to remain in the Madrid area and continue his career in La Liga.
Getafe president Ángel Torres confirmed that Carvajal had already completed his medical and said an agreement between the player and club had been reached.
“The player has already passed the medical with us and the agreement between the parties is closed,” Torres told DAZN. “Now only an agreement between LaLiga and the club is missing.”
That final obstacle concerns Getafe’s financial limits. Carvajal’s salary at Real Madrid was substantial, and Getafe must satisfy LaLiga’s economic controls before the transfer can be formally completed.
The 34-year-old has accepted that he will not earn the same salary he received at Real Madrid, but the club still need approval for the proposed deal to fit within their financial restrictions.
Bordalás has been a key figure in the move. The Getafe manager wanted additional experience and leadership in his squad and personally contacted Carvajal to explain the role he would have at the club.
Carvajal is understood to have responded positively to the proposal, with the opportunity to remain in Madrid and continue playing at the highest level appealing to the former Spain international.
The move would give Getafe one of the most decorated players in Spanish football, adding considerable experience to a squad that Bordalás believes needs strengthening.
Carvajal spent 23 years with Real Madrid and made 451 appearances for the club, winning six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. His departure brought an end to a hugely successful period in the Spanish capital.
The proposed move caused some confusion after Torres subsequently described his comments to the media as a joke. However, reports continue to indicate that the deal is close, with LaLiga approval the remaining issue.
If that agreement is reached, Carvajal will begin a new chapter with Getafe after more than a decade at Real Madrid’s first team.
For Bordalás, the arrival would provide a proven leader. For Carvajal, it offers the chance to continue his career without leaving Spanish football.