Outfield players may get all the attention, but everyone knows this World Cup was exciting because of its great goalkeepers. According to Marca, the European champions will pay Keylor Navas’ release clause of 10 million euros. The 27-year old will join Real Madrid once the Spanish side can find a team for Diego López.
After a heavily criticized rotation system was established by Carlo Ancelotti last season for the goalkeepers, many people have questioned whether it would work the same way for this upcoming season. Because of this, there has been speculation that Real Madrid would start a revolution and sell their two goalkeepers in order to refresh an aging line of the team. Casillas is 33 years old and López will join him in November, which forces the team to think of the future now and bring new blood to this key position. Keylor Navas had a brilliant World Cup, making history with Costa Rica by reaching the quarter-finals. In addition, he finished La Liga as the 4th best goalkeeper, which is impressive considering Levante finished 10th.
Having never really fought for titles in Spain, his thirst for glory can be huge for Real Madrid. Navas is a player that will give his best and maybe even become the regular #1 for Los Blancos. His age is also a huge plus, since he could serve as a keeper for quite a few years at a great level, instead of settling for the impending decline of Casillas and López. Being a great goalkeeper also comes from having great chemistry and communication with defenders, and Navas will have a brilliant set of teammates in that zone to make him excel. At just 10 million euros, this deal would be a steal and a smart move by the European champions.
His contract with Levante expires in 2015 and renewal talks haven’t been successful. Therefore, it’s Levante’s last chance to earn some money for one of their best players. All Europe is drooling over his World Cup performance and it was reported that he was set for a move to Bayern Munich. However, it would be negative for Navas to compete with Neuer, since the German is in top form. Cutting his progression abruptly will hurt Navas’ potential, which is why joining a team with an unsure future on his playing zone could establish him as one of the best in the world.
