Paris — the city of love, a high fashion hub, and the city of goalkeepers, but now most of them are not needed. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
In 2024, Matvey Safonov came to France to start a new geopolitical era in football. He aimed to conquer Ligue 1 and win the hearts of the French as well.
However, today no one wants to see him at "PSG". His name is absent both on the field and in the dressing room, as well as on the club's social media. The beginning was almost like a fairy tale: 20 million euros, a contract with one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, Luis Enrique's words — no one is guaranteed a place.
Safonov made a good impression in several matches, especially in cup competitions. A fleeting thought emerged — he was not just an ordinary tourist, but a real candidate.
"Win over Donnarumma, don't worry — the Russian goalkeeper is in the city!" it seemed to say. But then... then the decline began.
Not quickly and shamefully, but as a heavy daily problem. There was no stability in five out of six games in the French Cup.
In Ligue 1, there were the lowest ratings, questionable actions, and sometimes cowardice. "PSG" is a league where the winners collect 20 points more than the second place, and the term "instability" also raised concerns. At one point, Safonov found himself in an uncomfortable situation.
Not for his weakness, but for his awkwardness. It all started with rumors about Ilya Zabarniy.
He chose not to move to "PSG" not out of fear of competition, but rather because he was not ready to collaborate with the Russian goalkeeper. L’Equipe newspaper diplomatically, yet clearly wrote: "the problem is not in the passport, but in the proximity of positions." In other words, this will lead to many controversies.
Initially, these thoughts seemed unfounded. Politics is politics, football is football.
But later, a troubling trend emerged. The club stopped actively supporting Safonov, and the press service went silent.
In Russian media, there were talks that Safonov was spending a lot of time on his Telegram channel, running a blog. Seriously?
In 2025, the player manages social networks — is this criticism? It seems so. Today, "PSG" wants to part with Safonov so delicately that it doesn't look like surrender.
Is there interest in Zabarniy? Great.
A swap? Wonderful.
You have a Ukrainian — we have solved the problem. The important thing is that Safonov is entering the trends not because of his playing level, politics, or PR. The club didn't even include him in the starting list for the Club World Cup.
This was a great opportunity, but no. If the American is not allowed to play even against mid-level teams — then you are not a reserve, but an unnecessary burden, Matvey. Where to go?
Moving to Turkey seems exotic, but this path is often chosen when all other options are closed. "Bournemouth" is a bit interesting.
Especially since Zabarniy is there too, and a loan could turn into a simple contract. They lost Kepa, so there is a vacancy in goal.
"PSG" is looking for a player to fill that vacancy, one who will leave and not return. Politics?
Yes. Pragmatism?
Also. In this equation, Safonov is neither a hero, nor a rival, nor a spectator. He is an immutable variable.
He has a contract until 2029, but remains silent. Paris told him: “Thank you, but no.” There will certainly be no official comments. No respectable club would write: "We are letting him go because he is Russian."
This will be explained in other words. Often they say "development has stalled."
Meanwhile, in Russia, this transfer is being accepted as a success. We have no objections to that.
Four trophies have been won, and now other peaks can be conquered. In conclusion, Matvey Safonov has become a victim of the times. From the perspective of football, politics, and culture.
At 26, he has not lost himself. Of course, he will manifest himself, just not in Paris. Everything is clear.
Paris will not accept him. Not because of his poor goalkeeping, but because in this legendary kingdom, you are either a magician or a jester.
Safonov is stuck in between. There is no place for mediocrity here. Author: Arman Tigranyants
