David Volk, the goalkeeper for Dynamo Makhachkala, acknowledged that Matvey Safonov’s move from Krasnodar to Paris Saint-Germain did not catch him off guard. In Volk’s view, Safonov demonstrates European-level goalkeeping finesse, and he expressed a wish for the Russian shot-stopper to establish himself as a first-choice keeper at the French club, contributing to a rising profile of Russian talent abroad. The sentiment reflects a broader optimism about Safonov’s potential impact at PSG, underscoring the perception that he has the skills to compete at a top European club and to become a leading figure within the squad. As reported by RB Sports, the transfer was widely discussed among analysts and supporters alike.
Safonov’s PSG debut occurred on August 7 in a friendly against Austria’s Sturm, a match that finished in a 2-2 draw. In the Ligue 1 season opener against Le Havre, Safonov was not in the starting lineup as veteran Gianluigi Donnarumma guarded PSG’s net. The Parisian side secured a 4-1 victory, and the decision to start Donnarumma highlighted PSG’s depth and rotation options in goal. The performance added another chapter to Safonov’s ongoing adaptation to a highly competitive environment in France. As noted by RB Sports, observers are watching closely to see how his role evolves over the campaign.
PSG announced the transfer on June 14, but the move was surrounded by complications that captured attention in Russian football circles. Reports indicated that Safonov had been temporarily barred from leaving Russia due to alimony obligations totaling over 60 million rubles, a ban that took effect on June 6. At that time, Safonov happened to be in Minsk with the Russian national team, where he participated in a friendly match against Belarus that Russia won 4-0. He subsequently returned to Russia with the national squad. Later developments indicated that the travel ban was lifted, clearing the path for the transfer to PSG to proceed. The situation underscored how off-field matters can intersect with high-stakes transfers and affect a player’s career trajectory. As detailed by RB Sports, the sequence of events drew scrutiny and commentary from football insiders.
In the broader narrative, Safonov’s career trajectory continues to be framed within the context of promoting the strength of the Russian goalkeeper school. The transfer to PSG serves not only as a personal milestone for Safonov but also as a signal of the exportability of Russian training and talent to some of Europe’s elite clubs. Analysts have pointed to his performances at the club level in Russia as indicators of his readiness to contend for minutes at PSG, with fans hopeful that he will push for greater responsibilities as his adaptation to a new league and culture progresses. The overall tone in Russian media, including coverage by RB Sports, frames Safonov’s move as part of a continuing line of goalkeeping exports that could remind European clubs of the depth of the Russian goalkeeper pool.