LaLiga has intervened to block Dani Carvajal’s planned transfer to Getafe due to concerns over his reported salary, as reported by Spanish radio show El Larguero. The veteran full-back, who left Real Madrid when his contract expired this summer, had an agreement in principle with Getafe, located in the southern suburbs of Madrid.
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However, LaLiga’s financial control committee declined to approve the signing, citing that the proposed wage was artificially low. Getafe had reportedly submitted documentation indicating an annual salary of around €400,000 for the 34-year-old defender. LaLiga officials have rejected this valuation, arguing it is unrealistic given Carvajal's previous earnings of approximately €10 million per year at Real Madrid.
According to LaLiga's Squad Cost Limit regulations, the league imposes its own baseline valuations for high-profile players to prevent clubs from undervaluing player contracts. The league maintains that a player of Carvajal's caliber cannot see his official salary decrease by 96% without raising regulatory questions.
This decision aims to prevent "under-the-table" payments in Spanish football. LaLiga’s framework requires contracts to reflect realistic market values to maintain competitive balance.
Clubs could potentially circumvent salary cap restrictions by enhancing a player's income through unofficial commercial deals or undisclosed agreements, which would not appear in club accounts. The timing of this decision echoes the ongoing financial scrutiny facing Manchester City, which is embroiled in allegations of over 114 breaches of financial rules, including secret payments.
While Getafe manager Jose Bordalas was keen to secure Carvajal, the transfer will remain on hold until Getafe can amend the deal to comply with LaLiga’s financial regulations. Currently, Carvajal's future remains uncertain, highlighting LaLiga's commitment to enforcing financial accountability.