Real Madrid transfer rumors: Liverpool interested in signing Keylor Navas
By Ben Sundock
Jurgen Klopp and his talented Liverpool side are keeping a close eye on Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas with hopes of signing the Costa Rican shot-stopper during the summer. Here is a full update on the rumors.
Real Madrid might need to finally sign a new goalkeeper this summer if indeed Liverpool is as interested in Keylor Navas as reports have indicated. According to both El Confidencial and other outlets, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is closely monitoring Navas’ play in Madrid.
While Klopp’s interest in bringing Navas to England might be strong, the Costa Rican international has told the Real Madrid board he wishes to stay with the club even if they do sign another keeper during the summer window.
Navas has been with Real Madrid since 2014 and has been the starting goalie since the 2015/2016 season after the departure of Iker Casillas.
La Liga expert Guillem Balague confirmed Navas’ reassurance to the club in the past few days saying, “Navas has told Real that he wants to stay, even if they bring in another goalkeeper.”
The desire to sign Navas at age 31 is a bit puzzling as Liverpool have two good keepers in Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius who are both younger than Navas, 29 and 24 respectively, and have shared playing time this year.
Balague went on to say. “That is seen by Real as a good way to create competition, even if it’s Courtois or De Gea who come in. If it’s one of those two, they will be the No 1 and Navas will be No 2, which is a good position to be in – if the attitude of Navas is right. What I’m hearing is that he wants to stay.”
At this point in his career, I see staying as a good thing for Keylor as he has won several titles in his time at Madrid and has been playing well as of late.
Sevilla has also voiced interest in Keylor, but the chances of Madrid sending their net-minder to another Spanish team is not realistic.
I would be happy if Keylor stayed as he is still playing well and could be a great backup to whoever Los Blancos decide to pursue over the summer. If The Reds are unable to sign Navas, they want to also look into Atletico Madrid goalie Jan Oblak.
It would be in Liverpool’s best interest to go after a younger keeper like Oblak and let Mignolet go after several years with the club instead of trying to sign just Navas.
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All of this, of course, is circumstantial at this point as we are unsure if Madrid will finally sign a new keeper after three years of rumors or if Liverpool will actually put in an offer for Keylor Navas in the summer.
We will continue to watch the situation closely and keep you updated on any and all updates.