Softfootball gathered that talks have been ongoing by Pumas UNAM to sign former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas as a replacement for Álex Padilla, whose departure has left a vacancy in the club’s goalkeeping ranks.
Sources have told ESPN that Navas, 38, is the leading candidate for the role following Padilla’s return to Athletic Club after the La Liga side triggered his release clause. Navas, currently with Newell’s Old Boys, is said to be open to a move to Liga MX, and has responded positively to Pumas’ initial approach.
The Costa Rica international is seen as a marquee target for the Mexico City club, who are seeking to make another high-profile addition following the signing of former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey. Negotiations are already progressing, with optimism from both parties that a deal can be reached.
Navas would arrive in Mexico less than a year before the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The goalkeeper remains first-choice for the Costa Rica national team, currently coached by Miguel Herrera, and views a move to Liga MX as a beneficial step in the build-up to the tournament.
The three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Navas featured prominently in Costa Rica’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, delivering a standout performance despite the team’s eventual shootout defeat to the United States. He is expected to help the Mexican side who finished fourth last season, to a better spot next season.
While Pumas have prioritised a move for Navas, the club is also considering alternative options should talks stall. Among them is Colombian international David Ospina, a player known to Pumas sporting director Efraín Juárez from their time together at Atlético Nacional.
Ospina, 35, is currently without a club after leaving Al Nassr and has been linked with a return to Latin American football. He also has close ties to several Colombian internationals currently in Liga MX, including Kevin Mier and James Rodríguez, which could make a move to Mexico appealing.
Pumas finished sixth in the 2024 Apertura and are hoping to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025 Clausura, with a new goalkeeper among the club’s top priorities.
Meanwhile, Softfootball had earlier reported Navas’ former clubs Real Madrid and PSG anticipations ahead of the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Navas, who played for Real Madrid and PSG during his long spell in Europe, will get to see his former clubs tussle for a spot in the final.
Real Madrid are intensifying preparations for their Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain by reportedly flying in the families of their players and coaching staff to the United States.
Softfootball understands that the squad has already travelled following their dramatic 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals, and now they’ll be joined by loved ones for the final stretch of the competition. The semifinal against PSG is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 9, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
