Thibaut Courtois’ arrival at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was inevitably going to bring to an end Keylor Navas’ time as Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, yet a defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final has left the Costa Rican forced to say the most painful of goodbyes.
With the Belgian taking the reins for LaLiga Santander and Champions League matches, Navas has been relegated to the position of Copa del Rey goalkeeper.
Elimination from the tournament before the final leaves the former Levante stopper without the showpiece end to the campaign, and he’s unlikely to play any further part in Los Merengues’ season.
Barring an injury to Courtois, Navas will be forced to watch from the sidelines as the club attempts to win a fourth successive Champions League.
As well as the fact his football will be limited for the next few months, Navas also had to say goodbye to his chance to lift the only trophy that has eluded him during his spell in the Spanish capital.
Los Cules’ stranglehold on the domestic cup has left Real Madrid without the possibility to win it since Carlo Ancelotti’s time in charge.
Having recently signed a contract extension until June 2021, Navas’ future officially should be in Madrid, however playing just 14 matches this season is not enough for a goalkeeper of his quality.
The summer will prove a pivotal moment for the Costa Rican international, his love for Real Madrid may tempt him to stay, but his competitive edge will surely see him look to find a new club.