Manchester City have agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, completing one of the most dramatic goalkeeper reshuffles of deadline day. The Italian international will complete his medical in Italy before linking up with Pep Guardiola’s squad once the international break ends.
The move comes after Ederson’s switch to Fenerbahçe was sealed, a transfer worth around €13–14m. With James Trafford struggling in his first three Premier League appearances, City have acted quickly to bring in a proven world-class option between the posts.
What It Means for City
For Guardiola, this represents a decisive change in his goalkeeping structure. Ederson’s departure closes a hugely successful chapter but City felt a fresh start was needed. Trafford has shown nerves and inconsistency in the opening fixtures, and Donnarumma’s arrival is intended to bring authority and reassurance.
The Italian was earning around £230,000 a week at PSG but reports indicate City’s offer is lower than his Paris package, closer to £300,000–£350,000 a week, structured with performance bonuses. It is still among the highest wages in the Premier League but within City’s salary framework, ensuring harmony in the dressing room while rewarding a player who is expected to be the long-term number one.
“Ederson to Fenerbahçe is done. Donnarumma will follow, medical scheduled — a new goalkeeper era begins at City.” — Transfer insider, deadline day coverage
Gianluigi Donnarumma — PSG 2024/25 Stats
Stat (2024/25) | Donnarumma |
---|---|
Appearances | 32 |
Clean Sheets | 14 |
Saves per Game | 3.4 |
Save Percentage | 77% |
Goals Conceded | 28 |
Errors Leading to Goals | 1 |
Average Sofascore Rating | 7.0 |
source: sofascore season data – 2024/25
Donnarumma’s record shows why City moved decisively. With 14 clean sheets and a strong 77% save rate, he remains one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers. His presence and consistency will be critical in stabilising City after Ederson’s departure.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William commented:
“This is a huge shift for City. Ederson was the foundation of Guardiola’s build-up for years, but his sale signals a move towards a taller, more traditional goalkeeper profile. Donnarumma brings presence, shot-stopping ability and Champions League experience — exactly what City need after a shaky start.”
He added:
“Salary negotiations were key, as City did not want to smash their wage structure. By offering Donnarumma a slightly lower package than his PSG deal, they’ve balanced financial discipline with ambition. The pressure will now be on him to justify that status immediately.”
Key Insights
- Manchester City have agreed terms with PSG for Donnarumma.
- Medical will take place in Italy; arrival set after the international break.
- Ederson leaves for Fenerbahçe in a €13–14m deal.
- James Trafford’s struggles accelerated the search for a new number one.
- Donnarumma expected to earn around £300k–£350k per week at City, less than his PSG wage.
What’s Next?
Donnarumma will finalise his medical this week and join up with City after international duty. Guardiola is expected to integrate him quickly, with the Italian set to debut in mid-September.
For Ederson, the move to Fenerbahçe closes a seven-year chapter at City. Trafford, meanwhile, is likely to take a back-up role, learning behind Donnarumma while regaining confidence in cup fixtures.
Is Donnarumma the right upgrade for Manchester City — or will losing Ederson destabilise Guardiola’s system?
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