In a stunning turn of events, former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas has made a shock move to join Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys on a free transfer. The 38-year-old Costa Rican star, who recently announced his retirement from international football, had been without a club since departing PSG last May. But now, the three-time Champions League winner is ready to embark on an exciting new challenge with the boyhood club of none other than Lionel Messi.
A Glittering Career Comes Full Circle
Keylor Navas’ illustrious career has taken him to the very pinnacle of world football. The veteran shot-stopper made his name at Real Madrid, where he won an incredible three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. His heroics in goal played a vital role in Los Blancos’ unprecedented European success, cementing his status as one of the finest keepers of his generation.
After five trophy-laden years at the Bernabeu, Navas made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. He quickly established himself as the undisputed number one in the French capital, helping PSG to back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League final appearance in 2020. However, the arrival of Italian legend Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer saw Navas relegated to a backup role, and he ultimately decided to seek a new challenge when his contract expired in May.
A Surprise Destination
Few could have predicted that Navas’ next move would take him to Newell’s Old Boys. The Rosario-based club, situated some 300km northwest of Buenos Aires, is not exactly a household name outside of Argentina. But for football romantics, Newell’s holds a special place in the hearts of many – not least because it is the boyhood club of a certain Lionel Messi.
“Thank God we are returning to the pitch. I feel ready, willing and very happy to take this new challenge.”
Keylor Navas announces his move to Newell’s Old Boys
Navas himself expressed his delight at the move, posting on social media: “Thank God we are returning to the pitch. I feel ready, willing and very happy to take this new challenge.” The length of his contract with Newell’s has not been disclosed, but there is no doubting the coup this represents for the Argentinian club. In Navas, they have secured the services of a bona fide legend of the game, a man who has played at the last three World Cups for his country and won every major honor there is to win at club level.
Pochettino’s Seal of Approval
Interestingly, Navas’ move to Newell’s sees him link up once again with Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the United States men’s national team. Pochettino began his playing career at Newell’s and also coached Navas during his time in charge of PSG. The Argentine was quick to sing the praises of his former goalkeeper, describing him as “one of the best goalkeepers I have ever managed as well as a great person.”
There is no doubt that Navas will bring a wealth of experience and winning mentality to the Newell’s dressing room. At 38, he may be in the twilight of his career, but his performances over the past few seasons have shown that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. With Navas between the sticks, Newell’s will fancy their chances of mounting a serious challenge for honors both domestically and in the Copa Libertadores.
A New Chapter Begins
For Navas, the move to Newell’s represents an exciting new chapter in a career that has already spanned two decades. The chance to play for such a historic club, in a football-mad country like Argentina, is sure to appeal to a player who has always worn his heart on his sleeve and given everything for the teams he has represented.
Of course, adapting to the rigors of Argentinian football at the age of 38 will not be easy. The style of play in South America is notoriously physical and demanding, and Navas will need to call upon all of his experience and professionalism to succeed. But if anyone is equipped to meet such a challenge head-on, it is the man who has consistently defied the odds throughout his career to establish himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.
A Fitting Swansong
In many ways, Navas’ move to Newell’s feels like a fitting way to round off an extraordinary career. From humble beginnings in Costa Rica to the bright lights of the Bernabeu and the Parc des Princes, Navas has blazed a trail that few could have predicted when he first started out. Now, as he enters the final chapter of his playing days, he has the chance to write one last memorable story in the colors of Newell’s Old Boys.
For fans of the Argentinian club, the arrival of Navas is sure to generate huge excitement and anticipation. The prospect of seeing a player of his caliber representing the club is a tantalizing one, and there will be high hopes that he can help drive Newell’s to new heights. With Navas in goal and the likes of Messi cheering them on from afar, anything feels possible for this proud old club.
As for Navas himself, he will surely be relishing the chance to prove himself once again and add yet more silverware to his already glittering collection. Throughout his career, he has consistently risen to every challenge placed before him, and there is no reason to believe that this latest chapter will be any different. With his skill, experience and unwavering determination, Keylor Navas has all the tools he needs to make his mark in Argentina and cement his status as a true legend of the game.
