Paris Saint-Germain veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas has joined Monza following the end of his contract with the French club.
This comes after the 37-year-old confirmed in May that he will be heading for the exit door when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Navas’s departure announcement follows closely after Kylian Mbappe’s confirmation that he will also be leaving PSG at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Navas, who joined PSG from Real Madrid in 2019, has served the team as their first-choice goalkeeper for two seasons and leaves after five years with the club.
A free transfer to the goalkeeper’s former club Real Madrid was imminent for the French attacker according to reports.
In addition, the Costa Rica veteran has been linked to some Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
However, Navas who made a name for himself in the Premier League during his short stint at Forest, and a handful of top clubs has chosen to join Monza.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Keylor Navas transfer to Monza
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal stating that Navas will be joining as a free agent. The 37-year-old will be traveling to Italy for his medicals this week.
Romano wrote on X: “Keylor Navas to Monza, here we go! Deal in place for Costa Rica GK to join the Italian side as a free agent.”
“After leaving PSG, Navas accepts Monza’s proposal and he’s traveling this week for medical tests.”
The Italian club were keen to sign Pierluigi Gollini who is currently at Napoli on loan from Atalanta.
Romano added: “Deal off for Pierluigi Gollini as Monza will sign Keylor.”
Navas was once considered one of the top goalkeepers in the world during his time at the Parc des Princes, where he accumulated 51 clean sheets in 113 matches for Les Parisiens and secured nine major titles.
Despite this success, his role has been diminished since the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2021, leading to a loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
Since his return to PSG, Navas has been limited to just three appearances in the 2023-24 season. As he bids farewell to his time with the Parisian club, Navas will now look to make an impact at his next destination.
Keylor Navas club career
Navas began his youth career at Saprissa in his native country, earning six Liga FPD titles and a CONCACAF Champions League victory.
He then made the move to Albacete in Spain in 2010, before transferring to Levante in La Liga the following year.
During his time with Levante, he was awarded the LFP Award for Best Goalkeeper in his last season with the team. In 2014, Navas made a €10 million move to Real Madrid where he went on to win twelve titles, including one La Liga championship and three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as the starting goalkeeper. In 2019, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain in France.
His International career
Since making his debut in 2008, Navas has played in more than 110 matches for Costa Rica. He has participated in two CONCACAF Gold Cups and has been a part of the Costa Rica squad in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
In the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Navas played a key role in helping Costa Rica reach the semi-finals, earning him the title of best goalkeeper. His exceptional displays also guided the team to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014, marking a historic achievement for Costa Rica.
Keylor Navas individual honour
Navas was honored as the CONCACAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year for a remarkable three years in a row from 2016 to 2018.
In addition, he was recognized as the top male CONCACAF Player of the Decade by the IFFHS. His exceptional play during the 2017-18 season led to him receiving the prestigious 2017-18 UEFA Club Football Award for best goalkeeper, as well as a spot in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season for 2018.
