Donnarumma on the Brink of Manchester City Move
Manchester, August 31, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events on the final day of the transfer window, Manchester City is reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's star goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. The transfer saga, which has been simmering for weeks, appears to be reaching its conclusion, with PSG reportedly slashing their asking price to a more agreeable £25 million. However, the finalization of the move is contingent on two crucial factors: the future of City's current No. 1, Ederson, and a successful negotiation of Donnarumma’s personal terms.
A Goalkeeper Shake-up at the Etihad
The interest in Donnarumma stems from a period of unprecedented uncertainty in Manchester City’s goalkeeping department. For years, Ederson has been the undisputed first choice under manager Pep Guardiola, celebrated for his exceptional passing range and ability to act as a deep-lying playmaker. However, a surprise move to bench him for the first two games of the season in favor of new signing James Trafford, coupled with strong interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, has cast a shadow over his future.
While Guardiola has publicly stated that all options are open until the transfer window closes, the pursuit of Donnarumma, a world-class goalkeeper and a recent Champions League winner with PSG, indicates a clear contingency plan. The Italian, who is out of favor in Paris after the club signed Lucas Chevalier, has been a long-term target for City. His contract is set to expire in 2026, which has given City a significant advantage in negotiations.
The Donnarumma Saga: From Milan to Manchester?
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s career has been nothing short of a whirlwind. He burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy at AC Milan, where he was hailed as the next Gianluigi Buffon. His high-profile free transfer to PSG in 2021 was met with both fanfare and controversy. After initially splitting time with Keylor Navas, Donnarumma solidified his position as the first-choice goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in PSG's recent success, including their historic Champions League victory in 2025.
Despite his on-field triumphs, Donnarumma's relationship with the club has soured this summer. The arrival of a new goalkeeper and a shift in tactical philosophy under manager Luis Enrique has made it clear that the Italian is no longer a part of the long-term plan. This has prompted PSG to actively seek a buyer, leading them to reduce their initial asking price of over £40 million to a more attractive figure. The reported £25 million fee is seen as a bargain for a player of his caliber, especially one who is still only 26 years old.
The Ederson Conundrum
The linchpin of the entire deal remains Ederson. A move for Donnarumma will only be finalized if Ederson’s transfer to Galatasaray is completed. The Turkish club has been in constant contact with City, and reports suggest that talks are progressing. For Ederson, a change of scenery could offer a new challenge, particularly as Galatasaray aims to compete more aggressively in Europe. However, his departure would leave a significant void in City's tactical setup. Ederson’s unparalleled ability to launch attacks from the back and his exceptional passing accuracy have been central to Guardiola’s philosophy. Replacing him would require a period of adjustment for the entire squad.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Turkish transfer window remains open for ten days after the English window closes. This means that even if City sells Ederson on deadline day, they will have a limited time to finalize Donnarumma's arrival. This tight deadline adds a layer of pressure to the negotiations and makes the next 24 hours critical for all parties involved.
Wages and the Final Hurdle
While a transfer fee has been largely agreed upon, the final hurdle is Donnarumma’s personal terms. Reports indicate that Donnarumma's current wages at PSG are staggering, and City will not be prepared to match them. Negotiations are currently underway to find a middle ground that satisfies both the player and the club. A successful resolution on wages would pave the way for a medical and the official announcement of the transfer.
For Manchester City, the potential signing of Donnarumma represents a long-term solution to the goalkeeping position. At 26, he is entering the prime of his career and possesses the talent and experience to anchor City’s project for the next decade. His arrival would not only be a significant boost to the squad but also a clear statement of intent from the reigning champions. The coming hours will be decisive as the football world waits to see if this blockbuster deal comes to fruition
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