PSG bolstered their ranks with the arrival of Keylor Navas, in a swap deal for Alphonse Areola.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas has joined Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer deadline day deal from Real Madrid with the French-Filipino Alphonse Areola moving in the opposite direction.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain exchanged goalkeepers on the final day of the summer transfer market in both countries, with the three-time Champions League winner going to the French club on a permanent deal and the Frenchman going the other way on loan.
The 26-year-old French international Areola joins Madrid on a dry loan and will likely be a backup to Belgian stopper Thibaut Courtois.
“Real Madrid C. F. and Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement over the loan of Alphonse Areola for the current campaign. Real Madrid’s latest signing will remain at the club until 30 June 2020”, said a statement on their official website.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Costa Rican played 104 times at Madrid winning the Champions League three times, and represents a safe pair of hands as first choice for Paris Saint-Germain in their quest for European glory.
“Paris St Germain is pleased to announce the transfer of goalkeeper Keylor Antonio Navas Gamboa from Real Madrid,” the French club said in a statement. “The Costa Rican shot-stopper has signed a four-year contract with the capital club until 30 June 2023. Navas, who also holds Spanish nationality, is the first Costa Rican in the history of the Paris St Germain men’s team.”
He has joined PSG on a four year deal and while no fee has been confirmed the Spanish press say it was  €15 million.
Navas was voted best ‘keeper in the Champions League in 2018, when he also won UEFA’s goalkeeper of the year award. In their bid for European glory, the Ligue 1 side have tried several goalkeepers in recent seasons with German Kevin Trapp and Italians Salvatore Sirigu and 4o-year-old Gianluigi Buffon, all falling short.
He will also immediately come up against his former employers Madrid in the opening match of the Champions League Group A campaign at Parc des Princes.
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