Matvey Safonov, the 26-year-old Russian goalkeeper who arrived at Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 from Krasnodar with a contract until 2029, has been blocked from a number 2 role by Gianluigi Donnarumma (26 years old), then Lucas Chevalier (23 years old). This has fueled some departure rumors this transfer window. PSG Inside Actus announced today that the Russian would be replaced in this case.
“If Safonov leaves, PSG does not intend to make Marin its second-choice goalkeeper. The club is exploring other options to compete with Chevalier or serve as the second goalkeeper. A player from Portugal, whose name has not been disclosed, is reportedly being considered for this winter transfer window.”
It’s a bit of a surprise, as one could have expected Renato Marin (19 years old) — who was signed this summer — to get his chance if Safonov were to step aside. Otherwise, this signing is a little difficult to understand, since the third-choice goalkeeper role could also be filled by a young Parisian talent from the academy.
Still, caution is needed — nothing is certain yet. Safonov hasn’t even left, and no concrete rumors of a departure have been confirmed. There’s still quite a bit of uncertainty, so it’s best to wait before drawing any conclusions.
