Pumas have set their sights on a goalkeeper as a main target this summer, and are ready to put an end to their pursuit by signing Portuguese international Rui Patricio.
Initial plans were to continue with loanee Alex Padilla, but the 21-year-old saw his deal cut short by parent club Athletic Bilbao, who plan to utilise the young shot-stopper in the Spanish topflight this season.
The Mexican side has struggled to find a number one choice between the sticks after allowing 34-year-old Julio González to leave the club in 2024.
In Pumas' opening game of the season, they made history by handing young Rodrigo Arteaga his debut at the age of 17. Despite being a momunental moment for the club, Arteaga leaked three goals to Santos Laguna, including the second, which came after he was put under pressure while trying to play out from the back.
Pumas' goalkeeper pursuit
Reports suggest that Pumas were formerly looking to sign former Real Madrid and PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Aged 38, the Costa Rican player is currently playing in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and was reportedly interested in a move to Mexico, having previously been linked with a move to León.
Negotiations fell through when his current club demanded a fee of €3 million, which Los Univeristarios weren't willing to meet.
A move for the three-time UEFA Champions League winner failed to materialise, and Pumas swiftly turned their attention to Rui Patricio, where negotiations appear to be 'advanced' as revealed by César Luis Merlo.
🚨[EXCLUSIVO] Rui Patricio, tres veces mundialista, muy cerca de ser el arquero de Pumas. ⬇️https://t.co/8sY3Un0nIr pic.twitter.com/J9hRKcJYhB
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) July 17, 2025
Rui Patricio's career
Patricio, 34, has spent the last month at the FIFA Club World Cup, representing UAE side Al Ain.
Prior to his summer endeavours on the global stage, the Portuguese international spent last season as the back-up option at Atalanta after spells with Roma and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he racked up more than 200 appearances across six years at both clubs.
The veteran goalkeeper would arrive in Mexico as one of the most experienced players, having made 108 international appearances, more than any other goalkeeper in Portuguese history, while helping his country win the 2016 UEFA European Championship and featuring in three FIFA World Cups.
Details of a possible move to Los Univeristarios is yet to be revealed, but Merlo indicates that the club are 'working on the final details to finalise a deal and secure his services'.
Pumas have already completed a blockbuster move for Aaron Ramsey this summer, whilst confirming the arrival of left-back Álvaro Angulo from Argentine club CA Independiente.
How does the arrival of Rui Patricio rank for big-name signings in Liga MX this season? Let us know!