Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to sign Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from FC Krasnodar. The deal, believed to be worth around €20 million including add-ons, is nearing completion, although some final details still need to be clarified.
Matvey Safonov: A Rising Talent
Matvey Safonov has emerged as one of the standout goalkeepers in the Russian Premier League. His performances for FC Krasnodar over the past few seasons have garnered attention from several top European clubs.
In the 2023-2024 season, Safonov made 29 appearances in the Premier League for Krasnodar, playing a total of 2566 minutes and captaining the team in all 29 games. His defensive statistics are impressive, winning all 10 duels he engaged in. He also maintained a solid rating of 7.17. In the previous season, he played 27 matches, totaling 2430 minutes, and captained the team in 25 games, achieving a rating of 6.87. His consistent performance over the years has established him as a reliable and skilled goalkeeper.
One of the highlights of his career was in the 2022/2023 season, where he led Krasnodar to a second-place finish in the Russian Cup. His leadership and shot-stopping abilities have made him an invaluable asset to his current club.
PSG’s Goalkeeping Situation
PSG already boasts a strong lineup of goalkeepers, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas (Nottingham Forest (loan)), Sergio Rico, and the young talents Arnau Tenas and Lucas Mouquet. Donnarumma has been a key player for PSG, appearing in 44 games in the 2023 season across all competitions, making 92 saves in Ligue 1 alone.
However, the potential addition of Safonov could provide more depth and competition within the squad. Navas, at 37, might be nearing the twilight of his career, and bringing in a younger talent like Safonov could be a strategic move for the future. Sergio Rico, aged 30, and Alexandre Letellier, aged 33, also add experience to the squad, but PSG seems to be looking for long-term stability in their goalkeeping department.
Recent PSG Transfers
PSG has been active in the transfer market over the past year, bringing in several high-profile players. Some notable transfers include:
- The acquisition of Gonçalo Ramos from Benfica on loan.
- The signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt for €95 million.
- The addition of Ousmane Dembélé from Barcelona for €50.4 million.
These moves highlight PSG’s intent to strengthen their squad across all positions, and the potential signing of Safonov aligns with this strategy.
Current Form and Future Prospects
PSG’s recent form has been strong, with notable victories against Marseille, Lyon, and Lorient in Ligue 1, and impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League and Coupe de France. Adding a player of Safonov’s caliber could further bolster the team’s defensive strength as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
While the transfer is still in the rumor stage, the potential addition of Matvey Safonov to PSG’s roster could be a significant boost for the team. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on developments as the final details of the deal are worked out.
Stay tuned for more updates on this potential transfer and how it could impact PSG’s ambitions in the upcoming seasons.
