Navarro was presented to the media on Friday at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán as Sevilla's new sporting director, posing for photos in a shirt bearing the number 2029 — the year his own contract runs until.
Alongside club president José María del Nido Carrasco, Navarro addressed the squad planning for 2026-27, with austerity again the defining theme following the exits of senior players including Nemanja Gudelj after seven seasons at the club.
Asked directly about Alexis Sánchez, whose contract expires on June 30, Navarro confirmed talks were already under way.
"Regarding Alexis, we are in conversations with his agent. The intention, both for Alexis and for us, is to reach an agreement."
He elaborated on the framework guiding those discussions.
"We are in that phase of communication, trying to give him the maximum that Sevilla can offer at this moment, and also what they understand Alexis should receive."
Alexis, 37, was instrumental in Sevilla's late-season survival push under head coach Luis García Plaza, scoring three goals and adding one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions. The Chilean forward is currently on holiday and has not yet bid farewell to the club, with reports in Spain suggesting his salary — believed to be in the region of €1 million per season — is the central point still to be resolved. According to multiple Spanish and Chilean outlets, Alexis would be open to remaining for a further season provided his current wage is maintained.
The dressing room context matters to Sevilla's calculus. With a squad that has lost several senior figures and is increasingly populated by younger players, Navarro's department views Alexis's charisma, competitive spirit and experience as valuable assets in a rebuilding process — even if his role would primarily be from the bench rather than as a guaranteed starter.
Navarro was less optimistic about other potential returns, addressing speculation over goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla.
"He has been with us, we have enjoyed him, he has had a great season. His registration belongs to Newcastle, we have to respect his contract somewhat. It's a position we will have to strengthen, and we'll see what happens."
Navarro also confirmed head coach Luis García Plaza is fully involved in the planning process, describing daily contact between the coaching staff and the sporting department as the squad-building strategy for next season takes shape.
For a 37-year-old who has spent his career chasing trophies across Europe and South America, the prospect of one more season in Seville — on reduced terms, in a reduced role, for a club rebuilding from a position of financial constraint — represents an unglamorous final act. But for Alexis and for Sevilla alike, it appears to be the act both parties want.