The summer of 2024 marked a turning point for Paris Saint-Germain with the unexpected acquisition of Matvey Safonov. The Russian goalkeeper joined the club from Krasnodar for a reported €20 million, a move that has already begun to reshape the team’s dynamics.

Initially brought in as backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma following the summer’s big-money signings, Safonov defied expectations by outperforming Lucas Chevalier—who arrived for €55 million just months prior. With no injuries to hinder his progress, the Russian shot-stopper is now poised to start in goal for PSG’s Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30, marking a remarkable rise in his first season in Paris.

Luis Campos turns focus to Russia’s rising stars

Safonov’s impressive adaptation has opened new doors for PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos, who is now exploring additional talent from the Russian league. One standout prospect is Aleksey Batrakov, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder whose 17 goals and 12 assists in 35 appearances for Lokomotiv Moscow have caught attention. Reports suggest Campos has already made trips to Moscow to engage with the player’s representatives, with his agent confirming ongoing discussions.

« I’ve heard that either Luis Campos himself or a close associate will soon meet with club officials in Moscow to finalize details», shared Vladimir Kuzmichev, Batrakov’s agent, hinting at the seriousness of the pursuit.

PSG set to sign another Russian midfield dynamo?

The club’s interest in Russian talent doesn’t end with Batrakov. Another name on Campos’s radar is Matvey Kislyak, a 20-year-old midfielder at CSKA Moscow. Known for his technical ability and tactical versatility, Kislyak has already earned nine caps for Russia and could be a strategic replacement should Lee Kang-in depart. With six goals and six assists in 28 league games this season, the youngster’s contract runs until 2029, making him an intriguing long-term option for the French giants.

The PSG squad is evolving, and with Safonov’s success paving the way, Paris may just be building a Russian connection that could redefine their future ambitions.