Torres spoke on television before Barcelona v Getafe on matchday eight. "It's all talked through and done, pending Dani's answer this week," he explained. In his words, there are still "a few loose ends" to tie up and the "small print" to review: "If Dani says go ahead, then we go ahead."

The new element is the guarantee. The president confirmed he has lodged it in a personal capacity: "Yes, as always. There's no other way. To comply with LaLiga's rules." That was the obstacle that stalled the signing midweek: Carvajal's registration had to fit within Getafe's squad cost limit.

The turnaround comes three days after Torres himself had declared the deal over. On Tuesday he announced that the right-back had already passed his medical and that only LaLiga's approval was missing; on Wednesday he said that "in principle it has fallen through", although without closing the door completely.

The president justified the effort by the state of the squad. "We are a modest club, we have three long-term injuries and in a small team like Getafe that drives you mad," he said, adding that if the team wants to keep competing in three competitions, the alternative is "to give one up or to sign".

The dressing room is also hoping he arrives. Goalkeeper David Soria was optimistic: "A reinforcement like Carvajal, with all his experience, his level and everything a player like that brings, would be a ten-out-of-ten signing. I think it will happen."

Carvajal, 34, has been without a club since his contract with Real Madrid expired on 30 June. As a free agent he can join even though the transfer window is closed. Until the player gives his answer and the club announces it, the signing remains pending.