Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper, is on the verge of leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after reaching a verbal agreement with Manchester City for a five-year contract. The transfer, contingent on the departure of Brazilian Ederson to Galatasaray in Turkey, was confirmed by journalist Nicolò Schira and could mark one of the biggest moves in the European football transfer market in 2025. A stalemate in Donnarumma’s contract renewal with PSG, set to expire in June 2026, paved the way for negotiations with the English club. The deal, involving significant sums and a domino effect in the goalkeeper market, comes as PSG reshapes its squad, having already signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille as their new starter. The move reflects Manchester City’s search for a worthy replacement for Ederson, while PSG adjusts its strategy for the upcoming season.
The agreement between Donnarumma and Manchester City is a milestone in the goalkeeper’s career, who was pivotal in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory. The potential move to the Premier League, widely regarded as the world’s most competitive league, is seen as a natural step for him. However, the deal’s completion hinges on complex factors, such as Ederson’s negotiations with Galatasaray.
- Factors driving the transfer: Manchester City’s interest in Donnarumma stems from uncertainty over Ederson’s future, with his contract also expiring in 2026.
- Market competition: Besides Galatasaray, other European clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring Donnarumma’s situation.
- PSG’s planning: The signing of Lucas Chevalier signals the French club’s intent to overhaul their goalkeeping position, sidelining Donnarumma.
The goalkeeper market’s activity has sparked excitement among fans and analysts, with direct implications for the clubs involved.
Negotiations with Manchester City
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, sees Donnarumma as a chance to maintain quality in the goalkeeping position, crucial for their possession-based style. The English club has reportedly started talks with PSG to discuss transfer terms, with the French side demanding around €50 million for the player—a figure City considers steep given Donnarumma’s nearing contract expiry.
Ederson’s situation is the main hurdle. The 31-year-old Brazilian is a target for Galatasaray, who offered €3 million, an amount rejected by Manchester City. If Ederson’s transfer falls through, City may retain him and delay Donnarumma’s signing, potentially opening the door for rivals like Chelsea or Manchester United to enter the race.
Manchester City’s interest in Donnarumma is not new. The club had previously scouted the Italian, but prioritized keeping Ederson. Now, with Ederson’s potential exit, City’s management has ramped up negotiations, capitalizing on Donnarumma’s discontent at PSG.
- Transfer value: PSG is asking for €50 million, but City aims to lower the fee due to the player’s short contract.
- City contract: Donnarumma has agreed to a five-year deal with a competitive salary.
- Other clubs’ interest: Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are tracking the situation.
- Squad impact: Donnarumma’s arrival could lead to Stefan Ortega, City’s current backup, leaving.
.@FabrizioRomano: “Donnarumma is ready to go to Manchester City, he’s attracted by this possibility… Donnarumma is prepared to go there, is prepared to compete, he’s prepared to do his best for Pep Guardiola. The player is absolutely super keen on a move to Manchester City…” pic.twitter.com/kVLB6suNnd
— Blueline Hub🩵 (@Blueline_Hub) August 19, 2025
Conflict with PSG
The relationship between Donnarumma and PSG soured after disagreements over his contract renewal. The goalkeeper, who joined PSG in 2021 as a free agent from Milan, expected a new deal with a higher salary, but PSG’s offer included a lower base wage with performance-based bonuses. This proposal dissatisfied the Italian, who publicly expressed frustration after being told he was no longer part of manager Luis Enrique’s plans.
During the Club World Cup, Donnarumma started, but his exit was finalized with PSG’s signing of 23-year-old Lucas Chevalier, a standout at Lille. The young French goalkeeper is seen as the future of PSG’s goal, aligning with Enrique’s preference for players adept at playing out from the back.
Donnarumma voiced his disappointment recently: “I gave everything for PSG, on and off the pitch. I’m let down by how I was treated, but I remain grateful for the fans’ support.” His statement underscores the tension with PSG’s management, who now aim to profit from his transfer before he can leave for free in 2026.
Donnarumma’s fit at Manchester City
Donnarumma’s potential move to Manchester City raises questions about his adaptation to Pep Guardiola’s system. Ederson is renowned for his exceptional footwork, boasting eight assists in the Premier League, a record for goalkeepers. Donnarumma, with an 85.4% pass accuracy in Ligue 1 last season, is better known for his shot-stopping than his role in build-up play.
Analysts suggest Guardiola may be willing to mold Donnarumma, relying on his experience and youth to adapt to City’s system. At 26, the Italian blends high-level experience from the Champions League and Euro 2020 with room for growth, making him an appealing investment.
- Strengths: Sharp reflexes, commanding presence in goal, and experience in top competitions.
- City challenges: Adapting to Guardiola’s demand for goalkeepers who act as sweepers in build-up play.
- Track record: Donnarumma won Euro 2020 and the Champions League with PSG in 2024.
- Ederson comparison: Less skilled with his feet but stronger in one-on-one situations.
Domino effect in the market
Donnarumma’s potential transfer triggers a domino effect in the goalkeeper market. Ederson’s possible move to Galatasaray could pave the way not only for Donnarumma at City but also for other deals. Galatasaray is considering Porto’s Diogo Costa as an alternative, with a €20 million bid already made, per Sky Germany.
Additionally, Donnarumma’s exit from PSG cements Lucas Chevalier as the starter, raising questions about other goalkeepers in their squad. At Manchester City, Donnarumma’s arrival could end Stefan Ortega’s stint, as he seeks more playing time elsewhere.
- Galatasaray and Diogo Costa: The Turkish club offered €20 million for Porto’s goalkeeper as a backup plan.
- Chelsea and Manchester United: Both English clubs are eyeing Donnarumma as a potential signing.
- PSG and Chevalier: The focus on the young Frenchman signals a long-term shift in goal.
- Other City targets: Before Donnarumma, City considered Diogo Costa and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.
Premier League expectations
Donnarumma’s potential arrival at Manchester City heightens anticipation for the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Italian, who has faced English clubs in the Champions League, could solidify his status as one of the world’s best in a highly competitive league. His adaptation, however, will be closely watched, given Guardiola’s demands for versatile goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, PSG prepares for a new era without Donnarumma, with Luis Enrique banking on Chevalier to lead the goal. The outcome of negotiations between Manchester City, Galatasaray, and PSG will shape the goalkeeper market across Europe.
