Real Madrid has decided that they will part ways with keeper Keylor Navas after the end of this season. Here’s when it could happen and what this means for Madrid.
Real Madrid has reportedly told Keylor Navas that his services will no longer be required at Real Madrid. The former No. 1 keeper is not part of Zinedine Zidane’s revolution which will take place this summer.
The story broke on Spanish football show Jugones which was aired on La Sexta. Jugones is known to have some hot takes but carry some validity with their staff possessing some inside knowledge as well as strong connections.
🚨 NOTICIA #JUGONES | El REAL MADRID le HA COMUNICADO a KEYLOR NAVAS que NO CUENTA CON ÉL para la PRÓXIMA TEMPORADA. Información de @EduAguirre7. pic.twitter.com/aCVs0bnGO9
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 13, 2019
It seemed like his departure was only a matter of time with the arrival of Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois last summer. Real Madrid brought in the former Chelsea keeper to be the long term solution with Navas playing second fiddle.
The transition took place during the recent campaign with Navas filling in sporadically. Courtois earned himself the majority of the starts with 35 overall in all competitions while Navas had 20.
Navas Titles with Real Madrid
- 4 – Club World Cups
- 3 – Champions League
- 3 – European Super Cup
- 1 – La Liga
- 1 – Spanish Super Cup
Most of Navas’ starts came from lesser competitions like the Copa Del Rey and Club World Cup while Courtois was the go-to for the Champions League and La Liga.
Of the nine starts, Navas made in La Liga this season, six took place under the helm of Zidane. This hinted at the Costa Rican staying with the club but that has since changed.
Real Madrid could be looking to cash out on the 32-year-old keeper whose contract ends in 2020. He would most certainly be a viable solution for other teams around Europe.
Real Madrid host Real Betis in the final game of the La Liga season where Zidane will likely give Navas his last start. The game will also serve as an opportunity for the fans to show their appreciation for their keeper and for Navas to do the same.
How Madrid will move forward from this will be interesting to follow. The departure of the Costa Rican would leave Los Blancos with two other keepers one being Luca Zidane and Andriy Lunin who is on loan with Leganes.