Luis Campos has offered clarity on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City, insisting the decision was not about conflict but about PSG’s changing pay structure and tactical direction.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Campos revealed that Donnarumma requested a salary more in line with PSG’s past financial model than their current merit-based system. “Our policy is very tied to merit: you earn more when you deserve it, when you play,” he explained. With PSG moving towards incentives based on appearances and performances, Donnarumma’s demands proved incompatible.
The Portuguese advisor also pointed to Luis Enrique’s tactical preferences. The head coach viewed Lille’s Lucas Chevalier as better suited to his build-up play system, leading to Donnarumma being seen as expendable despite his role in last season’s Champions League triumph.
PSG’s merit-based pay policy
Campos stressed that PSG’s new direction means no player is bigger than the club.
“The star is the club, it’s the group. It’s not your past that makes you a starter here. Our policy applies to everyone. You earn more when you deserve it, when you play.” — Luis Campos
He went as far as to suggest that even Ousmane Dembélé, if he were to win the Ballon d’Or, would still only be offered contract renewals on the same merit-driven terms.
Donnarumma’s new chapter at Manchester City
PSG’s stance opened the door for Manchester City to move quickly. Donnarumma has already made a strong impression in England, delivering a standout debut in the Manchester derby. For Pep Guardiola’s side, his arrival represents both world-class quality and a show of ambition.
FootballPlace previously revealed Donnarumma’s contract details at City on 11 September — read here — showing that City were happy to meet the terms PSG would not.
Gianluigi Donnarumma career snapshot
| Club | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 2015–2021 | Serie A Golden Boy, Euro 2020 champion with Italy |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2021–2025 | Multiple Ligue 1 titles, Champions League winner 2024 |
| Manchester City | 2025– | Debut clean sheet in Manchester derby |
source: Sofascore, FootballPlace – 15 September 2025
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes PSG’s approach signals a shift away from “Galáctico-style” contracts:
“Campos has drawn a line in the sand. PSG will no longer pay superstar salaries just for reputation. Donnarumma’s exit highlights the ruthlessness of that strategy. For Manchester City, however, it’s a coup — they get a world-class goalkeeper in his prime, willing to be the long-term heir to Ederson.”
William added that while PSG’s financial discipline is admirable, City’s willingness to meet Donnarumma’s terms could tip the balance in European competition: “If he maintains this form, City may have pulled off one of the defining signings of the season.”
Key insights
- Donnarumma left PSG for Manchester City after wage demands clashed with PSG’s new policy.
- Campos says PSG now operate on a merit-based pay model: “you earn more when you deserve it.”
- Luis Enrique preferred Lucas Chevalier for his tactical system.
- Donnarumma impressed in his Manchester derby debut.
- City were willing to meet the contract terms PSG refused — full details here.
What’s next for City and PSG
For Donnarumma, the focus now shifts to establishing himself as Manchester City’s undisputed No.1 in both the Premier League and Champions League. His arrival signals Guardiola’s intent to refresh the squad while maintaining dominance.
PSG, meanwhile, are backing youth and collective stability, with Chevalier now their first-choice goalkeeper. Campos’ comments suggest that financial prudence and tactical alignment will outweigh big-name status in Paris moving forward.
👉 Did PSG make a mistake letting Gianluigi Donnarumma leave, or is their merit-based model the right long-term strategy?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 16 Sep 2025 10:23
Dollarumma at it again! Did the same at Milan, man you've earned a s**tload of money already, still young.. These players lately...
By JamesLove 16 Sep 2025 10:27
He’s the best GK in the world. He deserves whatever he wants.. if he’s on the money he could move to Saudi league. City is one of the biggest clubs in the world and best paying, so he gets what he wants. There’s always 2 sides of a story
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *