Governor's decision fails to halter Safonov's PSJ career trajectory
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is currently navigating a fierce competition for the goalkeeper position, with Matvey Safonov and the newly acquired Luca Chevalier vying for the top spot.
Safonov, a standout performer for PSG since joining from Krasnodar in the summer of 2024, has achieved remarkable success in a year. He became the French champion, won the national Cup and Super Cup, and triumphed in the Champions League. However, the arrival of Chevalier from Lille in early August 2025 has added a new dimension to the competition.
Chevalier, who joined PSG for a significant fee of approximately 40 million euros, started as the first goalkeeper in at least the first two official matches of the new season, achieving victories without conceding goals. Safonov, on the other hand, has been on the bench. This situation has put pressure on Safonov to either wait for an opportunity if Chevalier slips up or consider leaving PSG to find playing time elsewhere.
However, Safonov's camp has denied any confirmed plans for his departure so far. According to Vitaliy Kafanov, a Russian national team coach, Safonov and Chevalier currently have equal chances (50/50) to secure the number one spot at PSG, but Chevalier, as a new arrival, will need time to adapt.
Dmitry Guberniev, a well-known sports commentator, spoke about Safonov's situation at PSG. He believes that Safonov remains an important part of the team, despite the increased competition. Guberniev pointed out that the club's current problems are primarily related to the situation surrounding Gianluigi Donnarumma, not Zabarnyi's arrival.
If Safonov can prove his superiority in the position battle, he has a good chance of retaining his place in the team. Comparatively, Safonov has had strong statistics in the prior season and is seen as a goalkeeper with good all-around skills; Chevalier is described as similar to ex-PSG keeper Donnarumma, especially strong on the line but less so in rushes and playing with feet.
As of mid to late August 2025, the competition between Safonov and Chevalier for the goalkeeper position at PSG is actively ongoing, with no definitive decision yet. Some media rumors suggest PSG may be open to offering Safonov to other clubs such as Galatasaray, though nothing is finalized yet, and Safonov remains a contender for a place at PSG.
In summary, while Luca Chevalier currently holds the starting spot early in the season, Matvey Safonov remains considered a serious competitor and has a realistic chance to challenge for the role at PSG. The goalkeeping situation at PSG remains fluid, with close monitoring by the coaching staff and no confirmed player departures as of now.
Bookmakers are closely monitoring the goalkeeper competition at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) between Matvey Safonov and Luca Chevalier, with European leagues such as the Champions League potentially impacted by the outcome.
Should Safonov prove his superiority in the position battle, his strong statistics and all-around skills may attract attention from other clubs during the transfer window, potentially affecting PSG's Champions League campaign.
