Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is reportedly open to completing a Bosman move to Barcelona as an emergency cover for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona might look to sign a free-agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a long-term knee injury this past weekend against Villarreal. Keylor Navas is open to filling the German international’s void by moving to the Catalan club despite his past links with Real Madrid.
Keylor Navas and his trophy-laden career
Keylor Navas is in the final stretch of an unlikely illustrious career that has seen him winning over two dozen trophies at the club level. The Costa Rican international rose in prominence after his exploits for his country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Those performances earned him a move to Real Madrid in that summer’s transfer window.
The 37-year-old spent half a decade with Real Madrid, winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles. Navas continued winning trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, with the stint including a short loan spell with Nottingham Forest last year. However, after making over 100 appearances for PSG, the veteran goalkeeper has become a free agent.
Navas was solid for his country at the 2024 Copa America but has not played competitive football since the continental campaign ended over two months ago. Barcelona might provide an unlikely solution to the experienced shot-stopper’s problem.
Controversial Barcelona move on the cards?
Barcelona can do with Keylor Navas a short-term solution between the sticks after losing Marc-Andre ter Stegen to a long-term knee injury this past weekend. The German international will likely miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season, leaving Inaki Pena as the only goalkeeper in the first-team squad.
A few candidates, including Arnau Tenas, have emerged on Barcelona’s radar. However, the Blaugrana can sign a free agent immediately instead of waiting for the January transfer window for Tenas or another contracted goalkeeper. In addition, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper is open to joining Barcelona in a Bosman move.
Navas joining Barcelona will be a controversial move, considering his half-decade stay at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2019. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Catalan giants launch the offensive to complete a free transfer in the coming days.
