Ex-Real Madrid star who won 3 Champions League titles keen on joining Barcelona in surprise transfer: Reports
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is reportedly open to joining Barcelona amid an injury crisis at Camp Nou. The Costa Rican shot-stopper is without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Mundo Deportivo's Ferran Martinez reports that Navas will happily join Barca and replace Marc Andre-ter Stegen. The Blaugrana captain is set for surgery after rupturing his patella tendon in a 5-1 win against Villareal on Sunday (September 22).
Navas, 37, would be available immediately as a free agent, and his salary wouldn't be an issue for Barcelona. Given his experience, he could be a shrewd signing, but he also might draw the ire of Madrid fans.
The veteran goalkeeper spent three trophy-laden seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu from 2014 to 2019. He made 162 appearances and kept 52 clean sheets with the Catalans' El Clasico rivals.
Navas left PSG in the summer after serving as backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma. He had spent a spell on loan in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest after losing the No.1 jersey to the Italian at the Parc des Princes.
Barcelona's other option to replace Ter Stegen in the squad is Spaniard Inaki Pena. He came on for the German shot-stopper in the win over Villareal.
Navas on his 'complicated' Real Madrid exit amid talk of a Barcelona move
Navas became a fan favorite at Real Madrid and won 12 major trophies with Los Merengues. He departed in September 2019 when Thibaut Courtois emerged as the club's new No.1.
The Costa Rican reflected on his time at Madrid and his departure in an interview with France Football two years later. He said:
"There are times when you have to make decisions. I have great appreciation for Real Madrid... But there are things that we do not control. I trusted in God, who guided me towards an exit."
It's rare for a player to play for Barcelona and Madrid during their career. The most famous name that both El Clasico rivals have used is Luis Figo.
Blaugrana supporters villainized the iconic Portuguese ace after he joined their arch-rivals. Los Blancos fans might not view Navas with quite the same disdain if he makes the move because he's not doing so directly.
Navas has played against Barca 15 times during his career, the most games against any club. He's only managed to keep one clean sheet but is regarded as a European legend for his exploits at Madrid and PSG.