Cabella reveals he predicted Safonov's rise long before PSG

Rémy Cabella was not surprised in the slightest by Matvey Safonov’s rise at Paris Saint-Germain. The French international (4 caps), who spent several seasons with the Russian goalkeeper at Krasnodar, insists he always sensed his quality.

When PSG officially announced Safonov’s signing in June 2024, the news left much of the football world puzzled. The Russian keeper remained little known to the general public despite his Champions League appearances. Cabella, however, saw things differently. “I always said he was too strong. He had his own style, like handball goalkeepers in his distribution. When he signed for PSG, we spoke about it. I was happy he came to France,” he said.

Safonov has since established himself as the capital’s number one goalkeeper, relegating Lucas Chevalier to the bench. A situation that places Cabella in a delicate position, as the Calais native is friends with both players. “It hurts me for Lucas, because he’s my friend. But I’m also happy for Mota — that’s what I call him,” he confided, mixing satisfaction and regret.

For Chevalier, the wilderness continues. Since January 20 and a match against Sporting in the Champions League league phase, the former Lille player has not played a single official match. Nearly ten months without playing time, a situation that could push him to consider a departure during the winter transfer window to revive his career.