Keylor Navas, one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of his generation, is set to join Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. The 38-year-old Costa Rican, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has reached a verbal agreement and is expected to sign a one-year contract.
Keylor Navas, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of his generation, is on the verge of starting a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Without a club since his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended in May 2024, the 38-year-old Costa Rican legend has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Newell’s Old Boys, a historic club in Argentina’s football landscape.
According to the Argentine outlet Olé, Navas has agreed in principle to a one-year deal, with the only remaining step being the formal signing of the contract to finalize his move. This transfer marks a significant moment for Newell’s Old Boys, as they secure the services of a player with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of world football. For Navas, this represents an opportunity to embrace a new challenge and add another chapter to his storied career.
Navas has been a free agent since parting ways with PSG, where he spent four seasons, largely serving as the first-choice goalkeeper before gradually losing his starting position to Gianluigi Donnarumma. His last season with the Parisian club saw him play sparingly, making just six appearances across all competitions. Despite the limited game time, his pedigree remains undeniable, and his signing is expected to bring a significant boost to Newell’s Old Boys, both on and off the pitch.
The Costa Rican shot-stopper’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He first rose to prominence with Deportivo Saprissa in his native Costa Rica, before moving to Spain, where he played for Albacete and Levante. His performances at Levante caught the eye of Real Madrid, leading to a transfer that would define his career. At Real Madrid, Navas cemented his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, playing a pivotal role in the club’s three consecutive UEFA Champions League triumphs from 2016 to 2018. His sharp reflexes, composure under pressure, and ability to deliver in clutch moments earned him a place among the greats of the modern era.
Following his time in Madrid, Navas moved to PSG in 2019, where he added further silverware to his collection, including multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. A brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League added yet another dimension to his career, showcasing his adaptability and leadership in a competitive environment. Over the years, Navas has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, and his move to Newell’s Old Boys underscores his desire to continue competing, even as he enters the twilight of his career.
While his impending move to Argentina has captured headlines, Navas has been linked with several other destinations since leaving PSG. Clubs in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, including Grêmio, reportedly expressed interest in securing his services. In Argentina, San Lorenzo was also mentioned as a potential suitor. However, Newell’s Old Boys appear to have won the race for his signature, offering him a chance to contribute to their ambitions in the Argentine Primera División.
For Newell’s Old Boys, signing a player of Navas’s caliber is a statement of intent. The club, based in Rosario, has a rich history and is renowned for developing world-class talents, including Lionel Messi, Gabriel Batistuta, and Maxi Rodríguez. Adding a seasoned veteran like Navas to their ranks could provide a crucial blend of experience and quality, inspiring younger players and strengthening the team’s competitiveness in domestic and international competitions.
As Navas prepares to embark on this new journey, the football world will undoubtedly watch closely to see how the Costa Rican legend adapts to Argentine football. For fans of Newell’s Old Boys, his arrival represents a moment of excitement and anticipation, as they welcome a player whose career has been defined by excellence and success. For Navas himself, it’s an opportunity to write the next chapter in a career that has already left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
