Dmitry Bulykin, the former Lokomotiv and Russia forward, weighed in on the futures of two young Russian goalkeepers, Matvey Safonov and Daniil Khudyakov, as they begin new chapters with European clubs PSG in France and Sturm in Austria. He warned that earning space in Europe’s top leagues will be tough for players from Russia, especially with competitors who hold passports from other nations in the mix. The observations were reported by Sovetsky Sport.
Bulykin emphasized that the central issue is whether the players can shoulder the responsibilities that come with their fresh roles. He explained that success hinges on the coach’s trust. If a coach believes in them, the goalkeepers possess the talent to deliver. The chance given by the coach matters most, because in Europe domestic players are often afforded more opportunities to prove themselves and climb the ranks.
On August 7, PSG and Sturm met in a friendly that finished 2-2. Safonov and Khudyakov both played the full 90 minutes, marking their debuts in that international clash.
PSG announced Safonov’s transfer from Krasnodar on June 14. Earlier, reports indicated that a week before the move the player had been barred from leaving Russia due to alimony arrears that exceeded a substantial sum. The ban took effect while Safonov was with the Russian national team in Minsk, where the squad defeated Belarus 4-0 in a friendly. He eventually returned to Russia with the team, and later updates confirmed that the travel ban was lifted.
An insider, Ivan Karpov, claimed that Safonov managed to depart after partially settling a debt and having the travel restriction temporarily eased. The ban was later reinstated, but by that time Safonov had already left the country.
There were earlier assessments that Safonov’s first match in France for PSG did not fully meet expectations among those familiar with his performances in prior seasons, raising questions about how quickly he would adapt to European competition and the demands of a top club.
The broader context for these comments centers on how young Russian talent is navigating moves abroad in a football environment that increasingly values immediate impact and regular minutes. Analysts note that the path to establishing oneself in European leagues requires not only individual skill but also alignment with a coach’s vision, tactical demands, and the ability to seize chances when they arrive. The narrative around Safonov and Khudyakov reflects a broader pattern where players must prove themselves quickly to earn a steady place in squads competing at the highest levels.
For Canadian and American audiences, the situation highlights how European clubs evaluate foreign talent, balancing potential with the practicalities of squad strategy, visa considerations, and the need for consistent playing time. The ongoing development of these young goalkeepers will depend on the clarity of their roles, the quality of coaching they receive, and their willingness to adapt to different styles of play across leagues in France and Austria. The ultimate measure will be whether they can deliver in high-pressure moments and continue to grow under trusted mentorship, a dynamic that often determines long-term success in Europe’s top-flight football.
In sum, Bulykin’s remarks underscore a common truth for aspiring European professionals: talent must be matched with opportunity, support from leadership, and the resilience to navigate the realities of international football. While Safonov and Khudyakov embark on valuable experiences abroad, their early performances will be watched closely as they attempt to translate promise into consistent results on the field. This ongoing story will likely shape the players’ development trajectories in the seasons ahead, as they seek to fulfill the expectations placed upon young forwards turned goalkeepers in a global game. (Sovetsky Sport)