Jose Caicedo leaves Pumas for Portland Timbers and Keylor Navas begins talks to renew
Jose Caicedo's performance declined at Pumas under Efrain Juarez, and for that reason, he is preparing to join the Portland Timbers of MLS
Pumas UNAM had a very busy Thursday as it was confirmed that Colombian Jose Caicedo will leave the feline organization to defend the colors of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer (MLS), while Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas has begun negotiations to renew his contract. What was initially a rumor denied by everyone at the university organization gradually gained momentum until the departure of the Colombian player was finalized, especially since he lost prominence in recent months under coach Efrain Juarez. Faced with this situation, the player's representatives began exploring alternatives until they found a good offer from the Portland Timbers, a team that was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season by San Diego FC. Caicedo gradually lost his place in the squad and fell out of favor with the fans, to the point that they were demanding his departure from the organization and gradually pressured the coaching staff to disregard him until the offer from the United States arrived. The Colombian footballer only played forty minutes in the current championship, which generated animosity from the Tigres fans. to the point that the team captain, Costa Rican Keylor Navas, had to publicly support him in the face of fan criticism. While goalkeeper Navas began renewal talks with the Costa Rican goalkeeper for the next tournament, an agreement is expected between both parties, although Pumas UNAM doesn't usually offer long-term contracts, which is what the former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is trying to secure. Amidst all these issues, the Mexican newspaper AS reports a complete breakdown in relations between the sporting director, Antonio Sancho, and coach Efrain Juarez, creating confusion within the Pumas organization. Beyond the fact that they are struggling on the field with 16 points in the standings.
The power struggle within Pumas has become apparent among the fans, who are starting to get annoyed with the squad, especially after last Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Toluca, despite having twice taken the lead.
So far, however,Efrain Juarez and company occupy 5th place in the overall standings with 16 points, the result of four wins, four draws, and the aforementioned defeat, with 17 goals for and 10 against. Their next opponent will be Necaxa this Friday at Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes.

