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| PSG goalkeeper transfer news |
In one of the most high-profile stories of the current summer transfer window, the future of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma looks close to being resolved. Paris Saint-Germain have shown unusual flexibility in negotiations with Manchester City, signaling a clear desire to move on quickly from the Italian shot-stopper, who has fallen completely out of Luis Enrique’s plans.
PSG Lower Demands: From €50M to €35M
According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Manchester City and PSG have entered an advanced stage after the French champions agreed to reduce their financial demands. PSG initially valued Donnarumma at €50 million, but are now open to accepting an offer in the region of €30–35 million.
This significant drop underlines PSG’s lack of faith in Donnarumma’s role in the future project. The decision reflects both the strained relationship between the player and the coach, and the club’s desire to refresh their squad with new faces.
City’s Condition: Ederson Must Leave First
Despite progress, the deal remains conditional on the departure of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson. Manchester City will not finalize the signing of Donnarumma until Ederson’s future is settled.
The 30-year-old Brazilian, who has been instrumental in City’s dominance over the past years, continues talks with Galatasaray. Ederson has achieved every possible honor with the club, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, and seems open to a fresh challenge. However, his move will depend on financial terms being agreed with the Turkish giants.
Donnarumma: From European Hero to PSG Outcast
Donnarumma’s story at PSG has been one of contrasts. The Italian, who led his national team to victory in Euro 2020 and won Player of the Tournament, joined Paris in 2021 from AC Milan with huge expectations.
Yet, his journey in Paris has been turbulent. He initially shared playing time with Keylor Navas, then faced heavy criticism after costly errors in the Champions League, particularly against Real Madrid.
Last season, he partly redeemed himself, even helping PSG secure the Champions League trophy, the club’s most coveted prize. Still, with Luis Enrique’s arrival, it quickly became clear that the Spaniard did not view him as part of his long-term vision, pushing him toward the exit door.
Why Does Manchester City Want Donnarumma?
From a tactical perspective, City’s interest in Donnarumma is logical. Pep Guardiola’s system requires a goalkeeper who is not only capable of shot-stopping but also of initiating play from the back.
Donnarumma, despite criticism, remains one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers. His towering presence, ability to claim aerial balls, and international experience make him a strong candidate to replace Ederson if he departs.
For Guardiola, maintaining stability in goal is essential to sustaining City’s dominance domestically and in Europe.
Financial and Strategic Aspects
For PSG, offloading Donnarumma for €30–35 million frees up financial space to pursue a younger or more stylistically suitable goalkeeper for Enrique’s system. The club has shifted toward building around younger talents and reducing its wage bill, particularly after the exits of Messi and Neymar.
For Manchester City, the fee looks relatively modest considering the player’s pedigree. In today’s inflated transfer market, €35 million for a world-class goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s age (25) is seen as a sound long-term investment.
The Ripple Effect on the Goalkeeper Market
If the deal goes through, it could spark a domino effect in the goalkeeper market:
Ederson’s move to Galatasaray would see the Turkish league welcome one of the world’s elite keepers, raising its profile significantly.
PSG would need to immediately find a replacement, potentially targeting players like Mike Maignan (AC Milan) or rising stars from La Liga.
Such moves could set off a wider reshuffle across Europe, as goalkeepers are notoriously difficult to replace quickly.
PSG Fans: Divided Reactions
PSG supporters are split over Donnarumma’s potential departure. Some believe the club is making the right decision, cashing in on a player who failed to live up to the hype. Others argue that letting go of a 25-year-old goalkeeper with proven international pedigree could prove to be a mistake in the long run.
Still, the majority acknowledge that with tensions between Donnarumma and Enrique, his continuation in Paris has become untenable.
Guardiola’s City: A Project Without Weak Spots
For Guardiola, signing Donnarumma would not simply be about replacing Ederson, but about maintaining a flawless project. The Spanish tactician is known for his obsession with balance and perfection in every position.
Bringing in a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s stature would ensure City remain stable in a crucial role, keeping them competitive on all fronts and reinforcing their status as Europe’s most complete side.
The potential transfer of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City highlights several realities of modern football:
PSG want to move on from a player who no longer fits into their manager’s plans.
City are planning ahead, ensuring no disruption in one of the most important positions on the pitch.
The entire deal hinges on Ederson’s departure to Galatasaray.
If completed, this move could easily become one of the defining transfers of the 2024 summer window, not only because it involves a world-class goalkeeper, but also because it could reshape the goalkeeper market across Europe.