Dani Carvajal Does Not Want Saudi Switch After Real Madrid Stint

Daniel Carvajal is reportedly preparing for life after Real Madrid, but he is unlikely to opt for the increasingly popular move to Saudi Arabia.  

Carvajal, who turns 34 in January, will become a free agent in June 2026. While a contract extension is not completely off the table, neither Real Madrid nor Carvajal sees it as a priority.

He would rather move to a smaller team than continue with Madrid with reduced importance.

Los Blancos signed Trent Alexander-Arnold before the start of the season, and expect him to cement his spot in the starting XI. Had it not been for injuries, the Englishman would likely have achieved this by now.

Alexander-Arnold’s injuries opened the door for Carvajal to stake his claim. However, the six-time Champions League winner has also seen his game time restricted by injuries this season.

He has only played eight games for Los Merengues this season, recording 443 minutes of football.

Dani Carvajal Does Not Want to Move to Saudi Arabia

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia has become a lucrative and viable destination for footballers past their prime.

With Dani Carvajal nearing the end of his Real Madrid contract, several Saudi clubs have registered their interest. However, the Spanish right-back is not considering the move.

According to Fichajes.net, Carvajal is more interested in a move to Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League.

The move to Qatar is not only appealing from an economic angle. Carvajal is factoring in the presence of former Real Madrid teammate, close friend, and brother-in-law Joselu, who will help him adapt to a new country and culture.

Inside Real Madrid, they already know that very soon, another club legend will depart, and this time, it will be Dani Carvajal. @JorgeCPicon pic.twitter.com/4QMFgXnqv2

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 23, 2025

Carvajal also believes that moving to a less competitive league would allow him to extend his career. After years of competing at the highest possible level for Real Madrid, he wants the comfort of family without losing touch with top-level football.

Real Madrid immensely value everything Carvajal has done for the club and would completely back his decision. If he does end up moving on, they will give him a hero’s send-off.

Carvajal’s departure would markedly lighten their wage bill, boosting their chances of signing another defender next summer.

According to sources, Real Madrid are interested in Dayot Upamecano, who has been stalling his contract extension with Bayern Munich. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is also on their wishlist.

Real Madrid Star Carvajal Visits Qatar During Vacation

Dani Carvajal recently visited Joselu and attended Al-Gharafa’s match in Qatar. The club gave Carvajal and his family a royal welcome, with the club proudly announcing his arrival on social media.

“His Excellency Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer Al Thani, club president, welcomes the Spanish star from Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal,” Al-Gharafa’s post read.

سعادة الشيخ جاسم بن ثامر آل ثاني رئيس النادي يستضيف لاعب ريال مدريد داني كارفاخال وذلك على هامش مباراتنا أمام الوحدة في بطولة #دوري_أبطال_آسيا_النخبة pic.twitter.com/je2k4EytSa

— AL GHARAFA SC | نادي الغرافة (@ALGHARAFACLUB) December 22, 2025

Carvajal even met a few dignitaries and received a special Al-Gharafa jersey. His presence in the VIP box also brought the league leaders some luck as they nicked a narrow 1-0 win over Al-Wahada.