MLS Makes Stunning Move for Champions League Legend in Blockbuster Deal—Report
Major League Soccer seems to be targeting additional veteran star talent.
Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper and current Liga MX player Keylor Navas has received an MLS proposal that his present team, Pumas UNAM, cannot match, according to reports from David Faitelson.
The 39-year-old Costa Rican serves as Pumas' main goalkeeper and holds second place in the league for total saves (90) while sharing third place in save percentage (75.9%). His one-year deal expires at the conclusion of June following the Clausura 2026 season. A contract extension with the Mexican club remains uncertain.
"My deal concludes when the season ends," Navas told KeryNews last month. "If the decision were mine, if [Pumas] had contacted me in December, I would have agreed to an extension without hesitation.
"However, honestly, there's nothing for me to sign. The organization hasn't presented any proposal, and they haven't even approached me for discussions. So I'm moving forward with my life and performing my best for Pumas because I belong here, I connect with the squad, the supporters and the culture."
Which MLS Teams Might Have Made the Offer?
Which MLS Teams Might Have Made the Offer?
Minnesota United, who saw Dayne St. Clair depart for Inter Miami following last season, might be attracted to Navas's celebrity appeal. The Loons currently have only two keepers on their roster, and positioned near the Western Conference bottom, they could be seeking a new injection of excitement.
Atlanta United parted ways with veteran Brad Guzan last season and similarly maintains just two goalkeepers on their squad. Present starter Lucas Hoyos possesses the league's poorest save percentage at merely 42.9%.
Orlando City faces challenges in goal as well. Keepers Maxime Crépeau and Javier Otero have both seen playing time, and each ranks at the league's bottom in goals conceded per 90 minutes, 5.08 and 3.33 respectively, plus save percentage, 57.7% and 44.4% respectively.
Navas's History With Lionel Messi
Navas's History With Lionel Messi
Navas, who captured three Champions League trophies during his six-year tenure (2014–20) with Real Madrid, frequently confronted the attacking brilliance of Argentine legend Lionel Messi, while the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient represented La Liga competitor FC Barcelona (2004-21).
Navas made a legendary stop against Messi in April 2016 during El Clásico, preventing Messi from scoring in the upper corner, leaving the Argentine laughing in amazement. Real Madrid claimed victory 2-1.
Navas also delivered a crucial save against Messi in March 2021 while representing Paris Saint-Germain. He deflected Messi's penalty attempt with his knee during the Champions League round of 16—one of nine total stops that match—helping to knock out Barcelona.
The two players later became teammates at PSG that same year for the 2021–22 campaign, securing one of Navas's three Ligue 1 championships with the organization.
"When Messi joined Paris, we practiced together, and he netted a goal past me," Navas recalled in 2024. "At that instant, recollections of his strikes from our La Liga encounters returned. Confronting him was like a nightmare, and predicting his shots was virtually impossible.
"Therefore, I teased him, saying, 'You can beat me however you like in practice, because when we're in an actual game, we'll finally be teammates. I could live without the pressure and constant alertness!'"
Navas might be eager to reconnect with his former rival-turned-ally and conclude his illustrious career at Inter Miami, like numerous other game legends. The Herons, nevertheless, already possess solid goalkeeping with starter Dayne St. Clair, who earned the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. St. Clair's deal does expire following the 2026 season, however.
What Could Keep Navas in Liga MX?
What Could Keep Navas in Liga MX?
Location might discourage the star keeper from transitioning to MLS.
Navas' family has "adjusted very well to Mexico," per Faitelson, and the closeness to his native Costa Rica was among the key reasons for Navas when moving from Newell's Old Boys to Pumas in 2025.