Christophe Galtier explains why Keylor Navas was allowed to join Nottingham Forest

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PSG head coach Christophe Galtier has explained to FootMercato why he allowed Keylor Navas to join Nottingham Forest. The manager has also praised the Costa Rica international for his behaviour during the first half of 2022/23, which saw him play second fiddle.

Navas is quite the coup for Forest. What has happened at the City Ground under Steve Cooper is nothing short of remarkable. Signing Navas is another ‘what on earth’ moment for the Reds fan base to get their teeth stuck into in the coming weeks.

The 36-year-old made his debut on Sunday as the Reds defeated Leeds 1-0 at the City Ground. Navas made four stunning saves as they stood firm to keep another clean sheet and continue their rise up the Premier League table.

Now, Galtier has been discussing the goalkeeper and his exit from Parc des Princes. It would appear that the overriding factor in the transfer was that Navas wanted to play football and he’d fancy getting it at the City Ground.

He told FootMercato: “Things were very clear between Gigio, Keylor and me.

“If I told you (Navas) was released, that would be telling you that Keylor didn’t do his job well. He behaved very well during the six months of the season.

“He wanted to play, he wanted to leave to play. Obviously, he didn’t accept second choice. His behaviour has always been exemplary. There has never been a problem between the goalkeepers.”

PSG boss Galtier has explained why Navas was allowed to join Forest

One major play in this situation is that Navas wanted to come. Say what you like about Forest and their spending but when Keylor Navas wants to play for the Reds, it’s surely time to think that the current project at the club is an exciting one.

Navas has 110 caps for Costa Rica. He played in all three of their group games at the World Cup in Qatar and has captained his nation before. Furthermore, he’s actually won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid – more than Forest as a football club!

Forest will hope that Navas can lead the Reds towards another season in the Premier League. If he does, there could be a big conversation to be had over whether or not the club signs him permanently when his PSG contract expires in the summer.