Navas on the Brink: Costa Rican Keeper Lured by MLS Millions as Pumas Drag Feet

Imagine sipping your pint when the barman drops a bombshell: Keylor Navas, the bloke who's stared down the world's best strikers, might be swapping Liga MX for MLS glamour. Reports from Mexican pundit David Faitelson suggest the 39-year-old Costa Rican has a mouth-watering offer on the table that Pumas UNAM simply can't match. With his current one-year deal expiring at the end of the Clausura 2026, Navas is playing the waiting game – and it's got everyone buzzing.

Navas has been a rock between the sticks for Pumas this season. He's racked up 90 saves, sitting second in the league, and boasts a tidy 75.9% save percentage, good for third spot. But here's the kicker: despite his form, the club hasn't tabled a new contract. Navas spilled the beans last month, saying he'd have inked a renewal in December if they'd asked, but now? Crickets. He's loyal, grafting hard for the badge, but whispers of bigger paydays across the border are growing louder.

Desperate MLS Sides Circling the Keeper

So which MLS outfits might be dangling the carrot? Let's run the rule over the suspects, shall we?

Minnesota United look prime candidates. After shipping Dayne St. Clair to Inter Miami, they're down to just two keepers and propping up the Western Conference. A splash of Navas stardust could spark a turnaround – and they've got the roster space.

Then there's Atlanta United, who waved goodbye to veteran Brad Guzan. Their current number one, Lucas Hoyos, is leaking goals with a dismal 42.9% save percentage – the worst in the league. Two keepers on the books? Time for reinforcements.

Don't sleep on Orlando City either. Maxime Crépeau and Javier Otero are shipping 5.08 and 3.33 goals per 90 respectively, with save rates of 57.7% and 44.4%. Bottom of the barrel stuff. Navas could be the antidote to their keeper crisis.

MLS loves hoovering up European legends these days, and Navas fits the bill perfectly. Three Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, stints at PSG – the lad's CV screams 'statement signing'.

Messi Magic and the Pull of Home

Now, for the juicy bit: Navas and Lionel Messi go way back, and it could tip the scales. During his Real Madrid days (2014-20), Navas frustrated Messi no end in El Clásico. Remember April 2016? He clawed a rocket out of the top corner, leaving Leo chuckling on the turf. Madrid nicked it 2-1.

Fast forward to 2021: Navas, now at PSG, saved Messi's penalty with his knee in the Champions League knockouts. Nine saves that night helped bin Barcelona. Later, they teamed up at PSG, lifting Ligue 1 together. Navas even joked about training goals from Messi dredging up old nightmares – 'nightmare' to face, but a dream to join forces.

Fancy a Miami reunion? Messi's Inter Miami nabbed St. Clair, who's killing it as 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. His deal ends post-2026, so maybe Navas eyes a future slot. But with Miami sorted for now, other needy sides might pounce first.

What's holding him back? Family. Faitelson notes Navas' clan is 'very well adapted' to Mexico, close to Costa Rica roots – a big reason he joined Pumas from Newell's Old Boys last year. uprooting again at 39? Tricky call.

MLS is flexing its muscles, chasing that veteran sparkle to boost profiles and pitches. Will Navas bite? Pour another round – this rumour's got legs. Stay tuned as the transfer window heats up. (Word count: 612)