Dani Carvajal has left Real Madrid after 13 seasons with the club, the player confirmed in recent statements reported by Italian media. The 34-year-old defender, who won 27 titles with Los Blancos, is now a free agent and evaluating options for his next move. Carvajal stated he is “open to everything” regarding his future destination, signalling his intention to continue his playing career despite leaving the Spanish capital.
Carvajal joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2002 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a key part of their first team. He experienced a brief spell with Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Madrid in 2014, cementing his place as a consistent performer at right-back. His departure leaves a void in the Real Madrid squad, particularly given his experience and understanding of the club’s ethos.
Meanwhile, José Mourinho remains the frontrunner to become the next manager of Real Madrid, though the club’s ongoing presidential election is delaying any official announcement. According to Spanish publication As, Mourinho has a two-year agreement with current president Florentino Perez, with an option for a further season should the team win La Liga. However, the outcome of the election could still alter the situation.
Mourinho has reportedly already begun outlining potential transfer targets to Perez, focusing primarily on strengthening the defensive and midfield areas. The Portuguese manager has identified the need for one or two central defenders, a reliable right-back – a direct replacement for Carvajal – and two midfielders. One midfielder would be a defensive-minded player to compete with Aurélien Tchouameni, while the other would offer more creativity, similar to Benfica’s João Neves, who Mourinho previously managed.
The potential departures of David Alaba and Carvajal, both out of contract, are driving the need for defensive reinforcements. The club is also considering offers for Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga, and a potential sale of Fran Garcia could necessitate the signing of a left-back. However, all transfer plans are currently on hold until a new president is elected, leaving Mourinho in a state of limbo despite having a clear vision for the squad’s evolution. The situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding Real Madrid’s future, both on and off the pitch.
Carvajal’s exit marks the end of an era for a Real Madrid stalwart, while Mourinho’s potential arrival signals a period of significant change and potential investment in the playing squad.
