Real Madrid see academy talent as future first-team goalkeeper and want him to stay – report

Real Madrid see academy talent as future first-team goalkeeper and want him to stay – report Real Madrid appear to be looking beyond their immediate goalkeeping situation, with an eye on what comes next. Meanwhile, according to El Larguero , Madrid are also looking towards the future and have pencilled in Javi Navarro as their long-term option for the first team. Madrid want the 19-year-old to remain at the club because they see him as a goalkeeper with the potential to become their future No. 1. Madrid want to protect Navarro’s development The report comes at an interesting moment for Madrid’s goalkeeping department, with the club also preparing to discuss a possible contract extension with Thibaut Courtois. Courtois remains the established first-choice goalkeeper, and Madrid want to extend his current deal, which expires in 2027, by another season. However, the confidence being placed in Navarro suggests the club are simultaneously thinking several years ahead. Real Madrid have a lot of faith in Javi Navarro for the future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Madrid’s priority appears to be keeping the youngster within their structure and allowing his development to continue without rushing the process. A possible succession plan That approach makes sense. Replacing a goalkeeper of Courtois’ quality will eventually be one of the most difficult succession decisions Madrid have to make. Finding the answer internally would be particularly attractive, both financially and from a squad-building perspective. Navarro being considered a possible future goalkeeper for Madrid does not guarantee that he will automatically become the option in the future. It depends on a number of factors, most importantly the player’s own development, and Navarro has a long way to go before he can be ready to fill such big shoes. Madrid don’t need to think beyond Courtois at the moment. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) However, the important part is the club’s belief in his ceiling. Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff will definitely be tracking the player’s development. Courtois’ succession is still some way off For now, Madrid fans have nothing to worry about. The Belgian is their undisputed No. 1, and his performance against Inter Milan showed just how good he still is. However, the only concern would be the fact that the 34-year-old has seen a steady increase in injuries over the years. Navarro, meanwhile, needs to continue developing and performing at a high level for the reserve team. In the coming years, it remains to be seen whether the teenager can grow to an extent where he is ready to take over from Courtois.