Gianluigi Donnarumma edges closer to completing his move to Manchester City in a £30 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian goalkeeper’s arrival depends on Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahce before Monday’s deadline expires.
Gianluigi Donnarumma Agrees Manchester City Terms
Gianluigi Donnarumma has reached personal agreement with Manchester City ahead of his deadline day transfer. The 26-year-old Italy captain will undergo his medical on Monday before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium.
City agreed a £30.3 million fee with Paris Saint-Germain after extensive negotiations throughout the weekend. Gianluigi Donnarumma enters the final year of his PSG contract, making this summer his last chance for a transfer fee.
The goalkeeper publicly announced his PSG departure on Instagram after being excluded from Luis Enrique’s squad. He expressed disappointment and heartbreak over his treatment at the Parc des Princes.
Pep Guardiola identified the Italian as his preferred replacement for Ederson despite initial doubts about his suitability. The City manager believes His shot-stopping ability outweighs any distribution concerns.
Ederson Exit Triggers Donnarumma Move
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer depends entirely on Ederson completing his move to Fenerbahce. The Brazilian goalkeeper agreed personal terms worth €14 million with the Turkish giants.
Manchester City will only sanction Ederson’s departure once they secure his replacement. He waits in Paris whilst both deals require simultaneous completion.
Ederson made 372 appearances for City since joining from Benfica in 2017 for £35 million. His six Premier League titles and Champions League triumph established him as a club legend.
Gianluigi Donnarumma offers different qualities compared to Ederson’s playing style. The Italian focuses primarily on shot-stopping rather than distribution and sweeping.
PSG Relationship Deteriorates Dramatically
Gianluigi Donnarumma fell out of favour following Lucas Chevalier’s £40 million arrival from Lille. Luis Enrique preferred a goalkeeper with superior distribution skills for his tactical system.
The Italian posted an emotional farewell message expressing his disappointment with PSG’s treatment. He accused club officials of altering their stance regarding his future.
He hasn’t featured in PSG’s opening matches despite being one of the world’s best goalkeepers. Gianluigi Donnarumma was excluded from the European Super Cup squad against Tottenham.
His agent Enzo Raiola criticised PSG‘s handling of the situation publicly. The relationship breakdown makes Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure inevitable before the deadline.
Champions League Hero Status at PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma played a crucial role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph in 2025. He saved two penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 to secure qualification.
The Italian goalkeeper made outstanding saves against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool during the knockout stages. He delivered clutch performances when PSG needed them most.
His Champions League final display against Inter Milan showcased his elite shot-stopping abilities. PSG won 5-0 with Gianluigi Donnarumma contributing two crucial saves.
The goalkeeper’s European experience includes 45 Champions League appearances across AC Milan and PSG. He brings proven quality at the highest level of club football.
Euro 2020 Glory Defines International Career
Gianluigi Donnarumma won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020, becoming the first goalkeeper to receive this honour. He saved three penalties during the tournament, including two in the final against England.
The Italian captain led his country to victory at Wembley Stadium with crucial saves throughout the competition. Gianluigi Donnarumma made his international debut aged 17 years and 189 days.
His 74 international appearances include memorable performances in major tournaments. The goalkeeper conceded just four goals during Euro 2020 whilst keeping three clean sheets.
He also reached the Nations League Finals and Euro 2024 knockout stages. His penalty-saving ability proved decisive in multiple high-pressure situations.
Distribution Concerns Raise Tactical Questions
Gianluigi Donnarumma faces criticism about his distribution skills from French football expert Julien Laurens. The analyst questioned whether he suits Guardiola’s possession-based system.
Laurens argued that successful Guardiola goalkeepers must excel with the ball at their feet. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s traditional shot-stopping approach differs from Ederson’s sweeper-keeper role.
The Italian doesn’t command his penalty area aggressively on crosses and corners. Premier League football demands physical bravery that he sometimes lacks.
However, his exceptional reflexes and penalty-saving ability could outweigh tactical concerns. City’s defensive improvements might reduce the need for goalkeeper distribution.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Gianluigi Donnarumma stands 196cm tall, providing excellent reach and presence in goal. His height advantage helps during set-piece situations and one-on-one encounters.
The goalkeeper’s reflexes rank among the world’s fastest according to performance analysts. Gianluigi Donnarumma demonstrates particular strength in low saves and reaction stops.
His penalty-saving record includes memorable stops for club and country. European competitions have showcased Gianluigi Donnarumma’s ability under extreme pressure.
The Italian maintains excellent fitness levels despite limited recent game time. His training regime ensures readiness for immediate Premier League integration.
Transfer Market Value and Contract Details
Gianluigi Donnarumma carries a market value of €40 million according to Transfermarkt. His final contract year enables PSG to accept lower offers rather than losing him free.
City’s £30 million bid represents excellent value for a proven Champions League winner. Gianluigi Donnarumma would become City’s second-most expensive goalkeeper after Claudio Bravo.
The Italian’s wages at PSG exceed €850,000 monthly, making him one of football’s highest-paid goalkeepers. City must structure his contract carefully within their wage framework.
Gianluigi Donnarumma rejected previous contract extensions at PSG over financial disagreements. His City move offers fresh start and potentially improved terms.
Deadline Day Drama Intensifies
Gianluigi Donnarumma awaits final confirmation as Monday evening’s deadline approaches rapidly. Both City and PSG require swift completion to avoid missing the window.
His medical examination at City’s training ground proceeded smoothly according to reports. Gianluigi Donnarumma passed all fitness tests whilst contract details receive final approval.
Fenerbahce’s Ederson deal requires completion before City sanction the Italian’s arrival. The Turkish club increased their offer to €14 million for the Brazilian.
Gianluigi Donnarumma could debut against Arsenal after the international break depending on registration timing. His Premier League career begins with challenging fixtures ahead.
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