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The saga is over: 38-year-old goalkeeper Keylor Navas reportedly agrees to leave Newell’s, set to join Pumas in Liga MX

  • Pumas reportedly paid $1.3 million
  • Navas arrives at age 38
  • Played 16 matches with Newell’s
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The saga is over. After several days in which negotiations seemed to have fallen through for Pumas in their pursuit of Keylor Navas, the Liga MX side came back with an improved offer to Newell’s. Added to that was pressure from the Costa Rican goalkeeper himself, which ultimately forced the Argentine club to give in.

    The former Real Madrid keeper is now set to become Pumas’ new goalkeeper, according to various reports.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Newell’s had initially rejected the $1 million offer made by the Mexican club a few weeks ago, which temporarily distanced Navas from a move to Liga MX - a league he was eager to join due to its proximity to Costa Rica. However, in recent days, reports emerged that the Pumas board submitted a new bid of $1.3 million.

    That prompted Keylor to renew his push for the transfer, and on top of that, he refused to play in the team's match against Banfield.

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    WHAT NEWELL'S FANS SAID

    The club’s fans were visibly upset with the goalkeeper’s decision, with one posting, “The disappointment is huge - let him leave.”

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    WHAT NEXT?

    The goalkeeper will travel to Mexico, sources told GOAL. He is expected to arrive in Mexico City on Tuesday, where he will undergo medical exams and sign his contract.

    Pumas will visit Querétaro on Friday, and Navas is expected to make his debut. The team opened the Apertura 2025 with two losses - both marked by costly errors from 17-year-old goalkeeper Rodrigo Parra.