May 20, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Psg set to make 60m move for diogo costa ahead of world cup

Despite his impressive performances since taking over from Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov faces an uncertain future at Paris Saint-Germain. The club’s sporting director, Luis Campos, is reportedly moving swiftly to secure the services of FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, potentially signaling the end of Safonov’s tenure between the posts.

Matvey Safonov in action for PSG

PSG’s bold summer move threatens Safonov’s future

Just days after clinching the Ligue 1 title with a victory over RC Lens, Luis Campos insisted the club’s transfer business was on hold to prioritize the UEFA Champions League final on May 30 against Arsenal. Yet behind the scenes, negotiations for Diogo Costa are reportedly advancing rapidly, with Paris Saint-Germain keen to finalize the deal before the FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11.

The proposed transfer would leave Safonov without a guaranteed starting spot, despite his solid performances, while Lucas Chevalier remains on the bench. Costa’s reduced release clause of €60 million—down from its previous valuation—has made him a more attractive proposition for European giants like PSG.

World Cup deadline drives urgency in goalkeeper hunt

The urgency stems from Costa’s status as Portugal’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming tournament. His agent, Jorge Mendes, shares a close professional relationship with Luis Campos, which could smooth the path to a swift agreement. While the club had initially frozen transfer discussions, the potential to secure a World Cup starter before the competition begins has evidently taken priority.

The move underscores PSG’s long-term ambition to maintain a competitive squad, even as they navigate high-stakes European fixtures. Whether Safonov remains or departs, the club appears determined to make a statement in the transfer market this summer.