Donnarumma Agrees to Join Manchester City After PSG Exit

Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to become Manchester City’s new No. 1 goalkeeper after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League champions. The 26-year-old Italian, currently captain of his national team, reached an understanding with City manager Pep Guardiola during direct talks, paving the way for a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The agreement comes in the wake of Donnarumma’s sudden and emotional exit from PSG, a club he has represented since 2021. His departure was confirmed just days before PSG’s appearance in the UEFA Super Cup, which will be played in Italy — Donnarumma’s homeland — making the timing all the more poignant.

A Sudden and Emotional Farewell

PSG coach Luis Enrique announced that Donnarumma had been left out of the squad, describing it as a “difficult decision” but explaining that the club wanted “a new image” between the posts. The decision shocked many within the squad and fanbase, as Donnarumma had been a regular starter and one of the most prominent figures in the team.

On Instagram, the 1.96m goalkeeper shared his disappointment with supporters:

“Someone decided I could no longer contribute to the team. I’m deeply disappointed and bitter. I hope I can say goodbye to the fans in person. Playing for this club and living in Paris has been an honor.”

His words struck a chord with fans, many of whom were surprised by the abrupt nature of his departure.

Teammates Show Support

PSG captain Marquinhos, who has played alongside Donnarumma for several seasons, spoke with genuine sadness:

“I’m heartbroken to see Donnarumma go. He’s been a leader and had a fantastic season. If he stayed, we’d welcome him. If he leaves, we say thank you.”

Such comments underline the respect Donnarumma commands among teammates, making his sudden exit all the more striking.

Manchester City’s Long-Running Interest

According to Italian media reports, Donnarumma and his agent, Enzo Raiola, began exploring options earlier in the summer, holding talks with both Manchester clubs. While Manchester United expressed initial interest, they later decided not to prioritize signing a goalkeeper in the current transfer window, leaving City with a clear path.

City’s pursuit of Donnarumma is not new. The club had reportedly been monitoring him since last season, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to Ederson. With Ederson now close to completing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, Guardiola’s side is in a position to push forward with negotiations for the Italian international.

The Transfer Fee and Wages

While exact numbers remain under wraps, PSG’s asking price is believed to be less than the $47 million (plus $18 million in bonuses) they spent to sign Lucas Chevalier from Lille. English sources claim Manchester City may still need to pay in excess of $50 million to secure Donnarumma’s signature.

Financially, this deal could make Donnarumma one of City’s highest earners. His current PSG contract — which runs until the summer of 2026 — pays him around $14 million per year after taxes. Unless he accepts a pay cut, City will have to match or improve this figure, placing him alongside some of the club’s top-paid stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

What Donnarumma Brings to City

Guardiola has long valued goalkeepers who can not only stop shots but also initiate play with their feet. While Donnarumma has faced criticism in the past for occasional distribution errors, his physical presence, commanding style, and shot-stopping ability are widely regarded as world-class.

Standing nearly two meters tall, the Italian is dominant in the air, confident in one-on-one situations, and a proven performer in high-pressure matches — attributes that make him an ideal fit for City’s ambitions in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Moreover, at just 26 years old, Donnarumma is entering what many goalkeeping experts consider the prime years for his position. If City finalizes the move, they could have one of the world’s elite keepers for the next decade.

Impact on Manchester City’s Squad

If Donnarumma arrives, it will mark a significant change in City’s goalkeeping department. Ederson’s departure after seven successful seasons would leave a legacy of composure and distribution excellence, but Guardiola appears ready to embrace a slightly different style with the Italian between the sticks.

Backup keepers such as Stefan Ortega would still have roles to play in domestic cups and occasional league matches, but Donnarumma’s arrival would make him the undisputed first choice for major competitions.

What Happens Next

The transfer now hinges on Manchester City and PSG agreeing a final fee. With Ederson’s move to Galatasaray expected to be completed soon, City are likely to accelerate talks in the coming days.

For PSG, selling Donnarumma will free up significant wages and potentially provide funds for reinforcements. For City, the signing would signal yet another statement of intent as they look to maintain domestic dominance and finally capture back-to-back Champions League titles.

As the summer window enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on whether one of the game’s biggest goalkeepers makes his way to the Etihad Stadium — and whether he can live up to the massive expectations that will surely follow.

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