The Costa Rican goalkeeper, currently with Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, has caught the attention of Pumas following Álex Padilla’s return to Spain
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Navas is 38 years oldHe played 162 matches and won over 10 titles with Real MadridPadilla is heading back to Athletic Club after a loan spellFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Keylor Navas has reportedly become the leading option for Pumas as they look to reinforce their goalkeeping position after Álex Padilla’s departure. The Costa Rican goalkeeper is now a top priority for the Mexican side, who are aiming to make another high-profile signing in Liga MX following the arrival of Aaron Ramsey. ESPN was the first media outlet to report the news.
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Navas, currently playing for Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, is reportedly interested in the offer from Pumas. Talks between the player and club officials are already underway and began gaining traction once Athletic Bilbao triggered the clause to bring Padilla back to LaLiga.
Pumas see Navas – who won three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid – as a realistic target, partly due to Mexico’s close proximity to Costa Rica and the increasingly competitive level of Liga MX, which now features several internationally recognized players.
These factors could convince Navas to leave Argentine football behind and make the move to Mexico, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon – a tournament he hopes to reach with the Costa Rican national team, now managed by Miguel Herrera.
The veteran keeper recently competed in the Gold Cup with Costa Rica and delivered a solid performance. He played a key role in helping the team reach the quarterfinals, where they were eventually eliminated by the United States in a penalty shootout – despite Navas' standout showing.
A legendary figure in Costa Rican football, Navas enjoyed the peak of his club career with Real Madrid, where he played 162 matches, logged over 14,700 minutes, and won more than 10 trophies – including a historic Champions League three-peat alongside stars like Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In addition, Navas has represented Costa Rica in three World Cups: Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
While Navas remains the club’s main target, Pumas is keeping its options open. One of the alternative candidates is Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, a familiar face to current Pumas head coach Efraín Juárez from their time together at Atlético Nacional.
Ospina brings European experience, having played for Arsenal and Napoli, and is a regular for the Colombian national team. With several of his international teammates – such as Kevin Mier and James Rodríguez = currently playing in Liga MX, a move to Mexican football could be a natural step for him if the Navas deal doesn't materialize.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PUMAS?
Juárez's team will kick off their Apertura 2025 season this Saturday with a Matchday 1 clash against Santos Laguna. The match will take place at the TSM Stadium in Torreón, home of the Guerreros.
