PSG Monitoring Guillaume Restes for Future Roster Planning

Paris Saint-Germain Keeps Faith in Matvey Safonov Despite Early Season Defensive Vulnerabilities

Paris Saint-Germain has opted against pursuing a new goalkeeper during the upcoming winter transfer window, maintaining confidence in 27-year-old Matvey Safonov as the club’s number-one choice in goal, as Canal+ reported. Despite a string of defensive concerns—most notably nine goals conceded at his near post across all competitions this season—club leadership and technical staff retain confidence in the Russian international.

Safonov assumed the starting role at the Parc des Princes following the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer of 2025 and Lucas Chevalier’s struggle to secure the position. Having played every minute of the club’s 12 matches to start the campaign, Safonov helped anchor the squad during their previous Champions League title run. Yet, defensive lapses have sparked ongoing debate regarding his positioning and technique.

Defensive Vulnerabilities at the Near Post Draw Scrutiny

Data compiled by L’Équipe highlights a recurring tactical issue for Safonov: opponents repeatedly target his near post. Before the Champions League fixture against FC Barcelona, the goalkeeper had conceded seven goals in that specific sector. Goals from Xavi Espart in the 55th minute and Lamine Yamal in the 79th minute during a 4-2 victory over Barcelona brought that tally to nine out of 20 total goals conceded this season.

Other clubs, including Mallorca, Aston Villa, Rennes, Monaco, Strasbourg, Marseille, and Lyon, have previously exploited the same area. On April 19, 2026, Lyon secured a 2-1 away win at the Parc des Princes after Endrick opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a left-footed strike past Safonov's near post.

Specialist analysts point to technical mechanics as the root cause. Former Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon noted that modern attackers target the shoulder height, which remains difficult to protect. Meanwhile, former French international Bixente Lizarazu observed in L’Équipe that Safonov tends to drop his arms and lean his torso forward during his recovery stance, locking his knees inward and reducing his upper-body reaction speed.

Club Hierarchy Rejects Winter Market Changes

Despite external speculation and previous summer pursuits of targets like Zion Suzuki—who ultimately joined Aston Villa—Paris Saint-Germain will not enter the January transfer market for a new goalkeeper. Canal+ journalist Olivier Tallaron confirmed via social media that club decision-makers remain satisfied with Safonov’s overall contributions despite his modest total of one clean sheet across 12 appearances.

This stability leaves former Lille signing Lucas Chevalier waiting on the bench for an opportunity to challenge for minutes under manager Luis Enrique. While analysts and pundits debate his consistency—including a 4.5/10 match rating awarded by Foot Mercato after the Barcelona fixture—Safonov’s status in the Parisian squad remains secure for the immediate future.

Guillaume Restes Emerges on Paris Saint-Germain Radar

Looking further ahead, Paris Saint-Germain continues to monitor the broader goalkeeper market for future roster planning. Journalist Ekrem Konur reports that the capital club is closely tracking Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. The 21-year-old, who recently earned his first senior cap for the France national team under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez, is under contract with Toulouse until June 2028.

Toulouse views Restes as a fundamental pillar of their sporting project, though substantial interest from external suitors—including Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Napoli—complicates their efforts to retain him long-term. With his contract expiring in 2028, Paris Saint-Germain could evaluate a formal approach in a future transfer window, depending on Safonov’s long-term trajectory and the development of the club’s internal alternatives.