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Manchester City has reached an agreement to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain. This move comes as Ederson transitions to a new chapter with Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. Donnarumma played a crucial role in PSG’s recent Champions League victory and is recognized as one of the world’s most valuable goalkeepers, with a market value of €40 million. However, he was excluded from Luis Enrique’s squad during the European Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur in August, as the coach expressed the need for a different type of goalkeeper and subsequently acquired Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
“These are always difficult decisions to make,” Luis Enrique remarked regarding Donnarumma’s omission. “Gigio is one of the best in his role, but we are looking for a different profile.” Brazil’s Ederson, a key figure in Manchester City’s history, has made a move to Fenerbahçe in a deal reported to be around €14 million. Ederson, who joined City from Benfica in June 2017, has made 372 appearances for the club, achieving 168 clean sheets and enjoying a remarkable career in the northwest. Donnarumma’s arrival marks him as the second new goalkeeper at the Etihad this season, following the return of James Trafford from Burnley earlier in the transfer window.
What will Gianluigi Donnarumma contribute to Manchester City?
Last season, Donnarumma was pivotal in PSG’s Champions League round of 16 triumph over Liverpool, successfully saving two penalties. Although he started the season a bit shaky and lost his starting position at times, he concluded the campaign as one of Europe’s top-performing goalkeepers. Across 161 appearances for PSG, he has recorded 56 clean sheets. Last season alone, he featured 47 times, participating in every match during the Club World Cup as PSG advanced to the final. The 26-year-old joined PSG in 2021 from AC Milan, where he had played since 2013 as a youth player.
Joachim Durand, Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 specialist, provides insight into PSG’s decision to let Donnarumma go: “There are three primary reasons for his departure. First, while Donnarumma is an exceptional shot-stopper, Enrique has been seeking a goalkeeper with improved foot skills for several years, leading to the signing of Chevalier. Second, although he was crucial in PSG’s achievements last season (notably against Liverpool and Aston Villa), he had some costly errors in critical matches (such as the 2022 match against Real Madrid). This has likely influenced the decision. Lastly, his contract extension prospects are connected to those previous concerns. PSG has been more willing to offer substantial contracts to players like Hakimi and Mendes than to Donnarumma due to his historical missteps.”
Despite being only 26 — still young for a goalkeeper — Donnarumma arrives at City with vast experience, having earned 74 senior international caps for Italy since debuting at 17 in 2017. He captained the national team to a European Championship title in 2021, defeating England in a penalty shootout and receiving the Player of the Tournament accolade for his three saved penalties in the final. Donnarumma has faced some off-field challenges and is known for his outspoken nature. While concerns regarding his passing skills remain, City is undoubtedly securing one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers. However, replacing Ederson will be a significant challenge.
