Real Madrid register Alphonse Areola as a player on loan, Navas’ departure to PSG imminent

Real Madrid have registered Alphonse Areola as one of their players —on loan— in La Liga’s system. The French goalkeeper will join the club before Monday’s transfer deadline as part of Keylor Navas’ departure to join Paris Saint-Germain, which will be official very soon as well.

Areola is still a young player who will turn 27 years old next February. He had plenty of potential years ago but his value in the market has decreased because of some mistakes. Areola will be Real Madrid’s backup goalkeeper this season and will return to PSG next summer.

Los Blancos needed a reserve just in case something happened to Thibaut Courtois. Lunin could’ve been that player but he joined Valladolid when it looked like Keylor Navas was determined to stay in the Spanish capital. Once Navas told the club he wanted to join PSG, Madrid needed another goalkeeper and decided to ask for Areola rather than going for an experienced goalkeeper like Pepe Reina, who was rumored to be in the team’s shortlist.