The latest developments about Matvey Safonov involve statements from his father, Evgeny Safonov, who confirms the goalkeeper has left Russia for France and is preparing to begin training with a new club. His father’s remarks are cited by Sports24 as a guiding source on the situation.
According to Evgeny Safonov, Matvey left Russia and is currently taking a break in France. He believes his son will start training with Paris Saint‑Germain on July 15. The travel restrictions were reportedly lifted, and Evgeny says his son is in good spirits in France. He notes that everything was in order when he departed and that his son feels well while in France.
There were earlier reports from Ivan Karpov, who previously served as an insider, suggesting that Safonov managed to depart after settling a debt of 22,000 rubles, which allowed a temporary lifting of the exit ban. The ban was reinstated later, but by that time the goalkeeper had already left Russia.
Public knowledge later indicated that Safonov faced a ban from leaving the country on June 7 due to alimony obligations surpassing 60 million rubles. The restriction came into effect on June 6 while the Russian national team was in Minsk for a friendly match against Belarus, a game that ended 4–0 in favor of the Russians. Safonov, with the team, returned to Russia after the match.
Reports emerged that the exit ban had been lifted again, and that Safonov had run into issues obtaining a French work visa. Nevertheless, PSG confirmed on Friday, June 14, that a contract had been signed with Safonov, securing his services through 2029.
In the 2023/24 season, Safonov appeared in 30 matches across all competitions for Krasnodar. He conceded 27 goals and kept 11 clean sheets during that campaign, reflecting solid numbers for a young goalkeeper aiming to establish himself in a major league. This performance frame helped to reinforce the expectations surrounding his move to PSG and his potential impact in France.
Earlier reports also noted that bailiffs had taken steps to collect part of the owed debt related to Safonov, a development tied to ongoing financial issues that had affected his ability to travel. These legal and financial matters formed part of the broader context around the transfer window and Safonov’s career trajectory, as teams in Europe weighed the risks and rewards of adding a goalkeeper with international experience and a growing reputation.
Overall, the sequence of events shows a young goalkeeper navigating a complex mix of visa challenges, legal obligations, and a high-stakes club move. The public narrative has shifted from travel bans to a formal PSG agreement, underscoring the resilience and persistence required for a player pursuing opportunities at the top level. As Safonov prepares to join PSG’s fold, expectations are high for his adaptation to a new league, style of play, and coaching environment, with supporters watching closely to gauge the impact of this transfer on his international career and the club’s goalkeeping depth.