A player who was at Nottingham Forest in 2023 may potentially make an unexpected move to Barcelona.
There have already been some unusual departures from the City Ground in recent years, with Moussa Niakhite and Orel Mangala fetching a combined £60 million after departing for Lyon – the latter has now been loaned to Everton before making an appearance for the French club.
However, an even more shocking transaction is now possible.
So, who may move to Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving Nottingham Forest in 2023? Let us have a look.
Keylor Navas could join Barcelona after 2023 Nottingham Forest departure
Following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s significant knee injury, Mundo Deportivo reports that Keylor Navas could join Barcelona on a free transfer.
The Costa Rica international spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he made 17 appearances and maintained two clean sheets.
Navas, who Steve Cooper once described as a “brilliant” goalkeeper, eventually returned to PSG to spend the 2023/24 season in Paris, but after being released at the end of last season, he is now set to join Barcelona after staying healthy through individual training this season.
It would be a surprise move for the man from Perez Zeledon, given that he made 162 appearances for Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid and is now 37 years old.
Would be a deserved move
While Navas’ move to Barcelona is unexpected, it is well-deserved given his outstanding performance at Nottingham Forest.
Brandon Aguilera, who left the City Ground for Rio Ave in July, told ESPN how influential the Costa Rican was behind the scenes at Nottingham Forest, saying: “Keylor Navas has a fantastic legacy there.
“The fans and players appreciate everything he did last season. Since I arrived, my teammates have talked to me about him, everything he did, and a reference from when he was there.”
Navas, who has won three UEFA Champions League crowns among other trophies, as well as other individual prizes, could have arrived at the City Ground with an ego, believing he is superior to everyone else.
He did, however, show the Reds the utmost respect and deserves a beautiful ending to his extraordinary career by basking in the spotlight one final time at Barcelona.
