Softfootball gathered that talks have been ongoing by Pumas UNAM to signal former Actual Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas as a substitute for Álex Padilla, whose departure has left a emptiness within the membership’s goalkeeping ranks.
Sources have instructed ESPN that Navas, 38, is the main candidate for the function following Padilla’s return to Athletic Membership after the La Liga aspect triggered his launch clause. Navas, alternatively, is at present with Argentine aspect Newell’s Previous Boys, is claimed to be open to a transfer to Liga MX, and has responded positively to Pumas’ preliminary method.
The Costa Rica worldwide is seen as a marquee goal for the Mexico Metropolis membership, who’re looking for to make one other high-profile addition following the signing of former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey. Negotiations are already progressing, with optimism from each events {that a} deal will be reached.
Navas would arrive in Mexico lower than a 12 months earlier than the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, america, and Canada. The goalkeeper stays first-choice for the Costa Rica nationwide crew, at present coached by Miguel Herrera, and views a transfer to Liga MX as a useful step within the build-up to the match.
The three-time Champions League winner with Actual Madrid, Navas featured prominently in Costa Rica’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, delivering a standout efficiency regardless of the crew’s eventual shootout defeat to america. He’s anticipated to assist the Mexican aspect who completed fourth final season, to a greater spot subsequent season.
Whereas Pumas have prioritised a transfer for Navas, the membership can also be contemplating various choices ought to talks stall. Amongst them is Colombian worldwide David Ospina, a participant identified to Pumas sporting director Efraín Juárez from their time collectively at Atlético Nacional.
Ospina, 35, is at present with out a membership after leaving Al Nassr and has been linked with a return to Latin American soccer. He additionally has shut ties to a number of Colombian internationals at present in Liga MX, together with Kevin Mier and James Rodríguez, which may make a transfer to Mexico interesting.
Pumas completed sixth within the 2024 Apertura and are hoping to bolster their squad forward of the 2025 Clausura, with a brand new goalkeeper among the many membership’s prime priorities.
In the meantime, Softfootball had earlier reported Navas’ former golf equipment Actual Madrid and PSG anticipations forward of the Membership World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Navas, who performed for Actual Madrid and PSG throughout his lengthy spell in Europe, will get to see his former golf equipment tussle for a spot within the ultimate.
Actual Madrid are intensifying preparations for his or her Membership World Cup semifinal in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain by reportedly flying within the households of their gamers and training employees to america.
Softfootball understands that the squad has already travelled following their dramatic 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund within the quarterfinals, and now they’ll be joined by family members for the ultimate stretch of the competitors. The semifinal in opposition to PSG is scheduled to happen on Wednesday, July 9, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
