Keylor Navas has been with Real Madrid through thick and thin fighting for his place in the club. The potential arrival of Thibaut Courtois threatens his role as a starter.
Navas has been with Real Madrid for four years now. He signed on August 3rd, 2014. The club triggered his €10 million buyout clause and he joined them on a six-year contract.
At the time, Navas was seen as the backup to Iker Casillas. Casillas had cemented his role in net through amazing performances week in and week out. Navas knew he would have to endure and improve to stay in the squad.
In the 2015/2016 season, Navas became the #1 goalkeeper for the team. As well as inheriting the number one on his jersey. He was instrumental in winning the 2016 Champions League title. He only conceded three goals in 11 appearances with nine clean sheets.
The following season, Navas helped Real Madrid win the double. He helped the club collect a La Liga title, a title that has been hard to come by recently. He also assisted in La Decima, Real Madrid’s 12th European trophy.
Navas continued his excellence in the 2017/2018 season. Domestically, the team as a whole was not up to standard, but he kept consistent in the Champions League starting 11 games and beating Liverpool to win the club’s third consecutive title.
Keylor Navas hasn’t been the perfect keeper. He’s made his fair share of mistakes in games, but he’s been there for the club. He embodies a “Madridismo” mindset and puts the club before anything else.
Courtois is young and it’s understandable that Real Madrid wants to prepare for the future. Fees are rumored to be around £35m for the keeper. Despite being younger than Keylor, he has more minutes played and against tougher competition.
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There is not much to complain about when you get a quality keeper for a substantially low fee in today’s transfer market. Hopefully, there will be respect for Navas and what he has accomplished in his four years at the club.
Provided the club can reach an agreement with the keepers on consistent playing time. Thibaut Courtois can become a great player for Real Madrid.