3 possible destinations for Keylor Navas if he leaves Real Madrid

Real Madrid v Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg
Keylor Navas could leave Real Madrid

At the FIFA World Cup 2014, Keylor Navas hogged the limelight for his spectacular display for Costa Rica. His performance attracted Real Madrid and they signed the Costa Rican goalkeeper, he eventually became the number 1 at the Madrid based club.

However, his tenure at Real Madrid has not been as smooth as it should have been. His performance often speaks volumes about his talent, but his inconsistency has been a problem.

Real Madrid's Florentino Perez is not a great admirer of the Costa Rican International, whereas their former manager Zinedine Zidane was. Perez has on numerous occasions tried to replace Navas with another pertinent option, but those moves proved futile.

Things look different now though. Zidane left the club following their Champions League triumph and Julen Lopetegui has come in as the new coach. Latest reports across Europe also suggest that Real Madrid are almost close to signing Thibaut Courtois who won the Golden Glove in Russia.

This leaves Navas' future on the hook. If Navas decides to leave Real Madrid, he will not be short of suitors. In this article, we take a look at three possible destinations for Keylor Navas


#3 AS Roma

A.S. Roma v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg
Alisson is a Scouser!

English Premier League side Liverpool and AS Roma have come to terms regarding Alisson Becker joining Liverpool on a 5-year contract.

This deal would make Alisson Becker the most expensive goalkeeper in history as Liverpool's £67 million will eclipse the previous record set by Manchester City when they spent £34.7 million on signing Ederson.

AS Roma were impressive last season. They finished third in Serie A, just behind eventual winners Juventus, and Napoli. They also defeated FC Barcelona in an epic battle in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

They are aiming to clinch some titles this season and have already made numerous additions to their squad. They have bolstered their midfield with the inclusion of Javier Pastore and Justin Kluivert from PSG and Ajax respectively. They have also solidified their defence with three new inclusions this summer.

However, Alisson's departure leaves a huge gap at the Rome based club. Alisson was strong and consistent for AS Roma last season. His departure to England forces them to find a replacement, and Keylor Navas ticks the box.

Navas has experienced playing at the biggest stages and that would certainly help AS Roma get closer to ending Juventus' monopoly in Serie A.

Becker featured in 49 games for Roma last season and saved 153 attempts, making 3.12 saves per game. Whereas, Navas made 38 appearances for Real Madrid last season and made 113 saves, with an average 2.97.

#2 Napoli

Juventus v SSC Napoli - Serie A
Pepe Reina left Napoli for AC Milan

If you think this is improbable, just think who was Real Madrid's coach when they signed Keylor Navas in 2014. It was Carlo Ancelotti, the man who now coaches Napoli.

Napoli have lost their number 1 goalkeeper in Pepe Reina to Italian rivals AC Milan. In this situation, Ancelotti's relations with Navas is likely to prove useful.

Napoli gave Juventus a tough fight last season. They and Juventus were in close contention for the Serie A title last time out. They have appointed Carlo Ancelotti as a replacement for Maurizio Sarri, this is a positive step towards clinching the trophy they missed out on at the last minute.

Napoli currently have a decent squad and are trying to poach bigger fishes ahead of next season. They are also keen on signing either Karim Benzema or Edinson Cavani.

As part of further strengthening their defense, Ancelotti could also consider bringing in Navas. If the deal goes through, it will ensure Napoli and Ancelotti have a reliable pair of hands to guard their goal.

#1 Chelsea

FBL-WC-2018-MATCH63-BEL-ENG
Thibaut 'Golden Hands' Courtois

Losing a goalkeeper whom they have shown faith since Petr Cech's departure would jolt the Chelsea faithful. They need an apt replacement to recoup from the loss of Thibaut Courtois. Signing Navas from Real Madrid would do just that.

As many might have noticed, Navas has made some schoolboy errors. But when we put that aside, he has been phenomenal for the most part. His performance in crucial matches stands as a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stages of world football.

Navas denying the Brazilian attacks in the FIFA World Cup before Neymar and Coutinho bagged one each in injury time was incredible. His alarming presence, quick-reflex, and tip-over saves stood as a hindrance to the Brazilians.

Chelsea sacked Antonio Conte and have appointed former Napoli coach Sarri as their new head coach.

Chelsea's current squad needs a little overhaul. One of the major aims of appointing Sarri as the head coach is to compete for the Premier League trophy. He needs a good goalkeeper for his team as Courtois is leaving, and Keylor Navas could be the man.

Sarri always prefers experienced goalkeepers. During his time at Napoli, 35-year-old Pepe Reina was their number 1 goalkeeper. During his tenure with Empoli in 2014-15, Luca Castellazzi (now 42), was their number 1 goalkeeper. At Chelsea, he will likely continue the trend.

In Navas, they have an experienced goalkeeper who has on numerous occasions played in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.

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