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Manchester City has reached an agreement to acquire Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain, as Ederson transitions to Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old Italian played a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League victory last season and is currently valued at €40 million, making him one of the most valuable goalkeepers worldwide. Donnarumma was notably absent from Luis Enrique’s squad during the European Super Cup triumph against Tottenham in Udine this August. Enrique previously indicated the club sought a “different goalkeeping profile,” prompting the signing of French international Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
“These are always challenging decisions,” Luis Enrique commented regarding Donnarumma’s omission. “Gigio is among the top players in his position, but we require a different type of goalkeeper.” Meanwhile, Ederson, a stalwart in Manchester City’s history, has secured a move to Fenerbahce for a potential fee of around €14 million as the summer transfer window closes. Ederson joined City from Benfica in June 2017 and has since made 372 appearances, recording 168 clean sheets during a distinguished tenure in the north west. Donnarumma becomes the second new goalkeeper at the Etihad this season, following the return of James Trafford from Burnley earlier in the transfer period.
What Will Gianluigi Donnarumma Bring to Manchester City?
Last season, Donnarumma demonstrated his prowess by saving two penalties in PSG’s Champions League round of 16 win against Liverpool. Although he experienced a rocky start to the season that nearly cost him his starting position, he finished as one of Europe’s top-performing goalkeepers. Since joining PSG, he has made 161 appearances and recorded 56 clean sheets. Last season alone, he played 47 times, including every match during the Club World Cup, where PSG reached the final. Donnarumma arrived at PSG in 2021 after a long stint at AC Milan, having progressed through their youth ranks since 2013.
Joachim Durand, Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 expert in France, outlines the factors behind PSG’s decision to let Donnarumma go: “There are three key reasons for his departure. First, while he is an outstanding shot-stopper, Enrique has been seeking a goalkeeper with superior footwork for years, which led to their signing of Chevalier. Second, Donnarumma, despite being pivotal in PSG’s last season, had some critical errors in key matches (such as against Real Madrid in 2022) which might have influenced the decision. Lastly, his contract extension became a concern, especially since PSG was willing to secure top contracts for players like Hakimi and Mendes but hesitated with Donnarumma due to past inconsistencies.”
Although only 26, Donnarumma boasts extensive experience, having earned 74 senior international caps for Italy since debuting at 17 in 2017. He captained Italy to their European Championship victory in 2021, defeating England on penalties and earning the Player of the Tournament title after saving three spot-kicks in the final. While he has had some issues off the pitch and has faced scrutiny regarding his footwork abilities, there is no doubt that City is acquiring one of Europe’s premier shot-stoppers. Nonetheless, replacing Ederson will not be an easy task.
