Newcastle United have reportedly expressed interest in PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas, but the Ligue 1 giants have turned down their approach.
According to RMC Sport, Newcastle United are considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Keylor Navas this month and have submitted an enquiry to discuss the possibility of a transfer. However, Les Parisiens have ruled out a move for the 35-year-old Costa Rican goalkeeper, even though he is no longer the guaranteed starter at Parc des Princes.
Newcastle United have been very busy the January transfer window and are looking to bolster all departments in their squad. They have already completed the signing of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood this month so far, and it appears the English club also wants to sign a new goalkeeper.
While the Newcastle hierarchy has struggled to close any high-profile deals thus far, that has not stopped them from aiming high. And they have approached Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain to enquire about the availability of their goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Unfortunately for them, he is not available, with Les Parisiens reluctant to sell the 35-year-old custodian. They do not want to weaken their options between the sticks and are keen on finishing the season with Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma sharing the workload in the goalkeeping department.
The 35-year-old joined PSG from Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 after five years in the Spanish capital. Since then, he has been a reliable presence in goal for the Ligue 1 club. To date, Navas has made 97 appearances for the French heavyweights and has conceded 79 goals while keeping 44 clean sheets in the process.
Navas made a decent start to this season by putting in a couple of impressive performances as he kept summer signing Donnarumma at bay for PSG’s No. 1 goalkeeper spot. However, as the season has panned out, he has seen his game-time reduce significantly with Les Parisiens using a rotation policy.
Newcastle have been really struggling defensively this season, and having conceded 43 goals in 20 games. The Magpies have the second-worst defensive record in the division and have also developed a poor habit of dropping points in the latter stages of the games, as seen this weekend against Watford.
Navas will be an excellent short-term signing for the Magpies if they can get the deal over the line. He will bring quality, composure and top-level experience to the goalkeeping department. The 35-year-old boasts excellent reflexes and can make spectacular saves in vital moments. Moreover, the Costa Rican goalkeeper will be a significant upgrade over Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow at St. James’ Park.
PSG keeping hold of Navas makes sense, as the French club had previously seen both goalkeepers face spells out due to COVID-19, and another positive test down the line might result in one of them missing a game. Furthermore, there is always a chance of an injury. Thus, forming a tandem with Donnarumma and Navas is preferable to relying on third-choice Sergio Rico to provide cover.
The Costa Rican international is contracted to PSG until 2024. At 35, he clearly does not hold a long-term future at Parc des Princes. Navas’s stance on the situation is not mentioned, but it is hard to see him pushing to leave Champions League-chasing PSG for a relegation battle with Newcastle. Whether Newcastle’s financial might will make the deal feasible for the 35-year-old remains to be seen.
