PSG confirm Safonov as first-choice goalkeeper ahead of new season
Paris Saint-Germain have finalised their goalkeeper arrangements for the upcoming campaign, retaining Matvey Safonov following his superior performances during the 2025-26 season.
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Matvey Safonov will remain the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, according to reports from Parisian sources. The decision follows a 2025-26 campaign in which Safonov replaced Lucas Chevalier, a move that proved instrumental in the club’s recent Champions League victory.
The restructuring of the goalkeeping position stems from a period of instability early in the previous season. After Gigi Donnarumma was sold to Manchester City prior to the 2025-26 campaign, Chevalier arrived from Lille to take the starting role. However, Chevalier struggled with his form, leading to Safonov taking over as the primary goalkeeper. While not always entirely convincing, Safonov provided a more solid defensive presence than his predecessor.
Safonov’s stability was a key factor in PSG’s success on the European stage. The club retained its Champions League title, having previously defeated Inter Milan in the 2025 final. In the most recent final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, PSG secured a second consecutive title by defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Safonov’s performances during this run were deemed superior to those of his predecessor, solidifying his position within the squad.
With Safonov’s status confirmed, the club intends to sell Lucas Chevalier if a suitable buyer emerges. While some supporters have expressed a desire for the club to seek further upgrades, the management has indicated that Safonov has earned his place through his contributions to the team’s recent triumphs.
In other squad developments, PSG have completed the permanent transfer of academy defender Noham Kamara to Lyon. The Rhone-based club exercised the option to make the move permanent, following Kamara’s earlier loan spell. As the club prepares for the new Ligue 1 season, the fixture list has been released, featuring a relatively challenging opening week. The decision on the goalkeeper position comes amidst a backdrop of heightened security concerns, with 416 arrests made nationwide following clashes in Paris after the Champions League victory.
