Manchester City have completed a sensational addition to their squad, officially signing Italy’s star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
Transfer Details & Contract
- The 26-year-old Donnarumma has signed a five-year contract, with the option for a sixth year—tying him to the club until 2030.
- The transfer fee is reported at £26 million, though some sources suggest a figure closer to €30–35 million, including add-ons.
Why the Move Happened
- Ederson, Man City’s long-time Brazilian goalkeeper, has moved to Fenerbahçe after eight successful years in Manchester. Reports suggest the fee was around £12 million.
- At PSG, Donnarumma had fallen out of favour with coach Luis Enrique, who preferred the new signing Lucas Chevalier, leading to Donnarumma seeking pastures new.
Tactical Implications
- Pep Guardiola is clearly embarking on a tactical evolution. Donnarumma is known for his elite shot-stopping, physical presence, and composure—qualities that promise to bring stability and defensive resilience to City’s back line.
- However, questions remain about his ability with the ball at his feet. Given Guardiola’s system heavily relies on goalkeepers to initiate play, analysts caution that Donnarumma’s distribution isn’t as refined as that of Ederson or some of his peers.
Jersey Number Drama
- Donnarumma initially hoped to don his iconic #99, but Premier League regulations on squad numbers (especially for goalkeepers) made that impossible. Instead, he will wear number 25 for City.
Reaction & Perspective
- Donnarumma himself expressed his excitement: “To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me… I have admired watching Manchester City for many years… this is a club every player in world football would love to join.”
- Critics and pundits observe that while he may not fit the classic Guardiola mold in terms of ball distribution, his world-class shot-stopping credentials could be the perfect pragmatic choice in a moment of transition.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | ~£26 million (or €30–35 million) |
| Contract length | 5 years, optional 6th year (through 2030) |
| Previous club | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Reason for move | Out of favour at PSG; City needed replacement for Ederson |
| Tactical fit | Elite shot-stopping; distribution concerns remain |
| Jersey number | Will wear 25, not 99, due to PL rules |
With Donnarumma’s arrival, Manchester City signal a decisive shift in their goalkeeping strategy—opting for reliability and composure at the cost of some of the ball-playing flair previously provided by Ederson. As the season unfolds and Donnarumma adapts to Guardiola’s system, all eyes will be on how this bold move pays off.