Gianluigi Donnarumma transfer news continues to dominate headlines after Paris Saint-Germain sanctioned the shock sale of their Champions League-winning goalkeeper to Manchester City. The decision, made under Luis Enrique’s push for a possession-first style, has been branded “a stupid thing” by former Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam, speaking to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian press have been quick to remind readers that the 26-year-old’s struggles with the ball at his feet remain glaring. Donnarumma’s shaky distribution resurfaced during Italy’s wild 5-4 Nations League win over Israel, echoing similar concerns from his AC Milan days. Yet critics argue PSG still disrespected one of their most decisive players.
With Enrique’s tactical revolution demanding ball-playing keepers, PSG cashed in on their high-earning No.1. But did the Ligue 1 champions make a sporting mistake for the sake of financial balance? And what happens if Donnarumma proves himself under Pep Guardiola?
Why Selling Donnarumma Still Angers PSG Icons
Ghoulam’s verdict is damning:
“PSG made a glaring mistake and disrespected Gigio. They wanted to please Luis Enrique because he won, but you can’t do this to a totemic player.” — Faouzi Ghoulam, Corriere dello Sport
The former left-back underlined the contradiction in PSG’s logic. If Donnarumma’s feet were truly the issue, why would Guardiola — the world’s fiercest advocate of playing out from the back — sanction the signing?
Beyond tactics, the goalkeeper’s relationship with teammates and PSG supporters made the sale even harder to accept. Ghoulam called it an “inexplicable choice” that weakened a squad still chasing Champions League glory.
Could the Gianluigi Donnarumma Transfer Backfire for PSG?
Luis Enrique has precedent for ruthless squad calls, from Barcelona to Spain, where stylistic fit trumped individual talent. Donnarumma’s £300k-a-week wages also freed up room for PSG’s rebuild. But City’s interest underlines that the Italian is still elite — and potentially Ballon d’Or top 10 material.
If he shines at the Etihad, PSG risk facing their own ex-goalkeeper deep in the Champions League knockout stages. That scenario would put Enrique’s gamble under the harshest spotlight.
Donnarumma’s Stats in 2024/25
| Stat (2024/25) | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Clean Sheets | — |
| Saves per Game | — |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 13 September 2025
Even with flaws in possession, Donnarumma’s shot-stopping record remains among Europe’s best. Guardiola will believe he can polish the rest.
Analyst Verdict – Tactical Risk vs Financial Sense
According to FootballPlace analyst John William, this is one of PSG’s boldest and riskiest moves in recent memory.
Enrique’s insistence on system coherence explains the sale, but letting go of a proven Champions League-winning keeper feels reckless. For Manchester City, it’s a calculated low-risk coup: Guardiola inherits a world-class stopper with peak years ahead. If Donnarumma adapts to City’s distribution demands, the upside is enormous.
Key Insights
- Donnarumma sold by PSG despite Champions League heroics.
- Luis Enrique prioritised ball-playing keepers over proven shot-stopping.
- Faouzi Ghoulam brands sale “a stupid thing” in Italian media.
- Guardiola’s trust in Donnarumma undermines PSG’s rationale.
- Potential debut in the Manchester derby this weekend.
What’s Next for Donnarumma and City?
All eyes turn to the Manchester derby, where Guardiola may hand Donnarumma his Premier League debut. A confident performance at Old Trafford could silence questions about his feet — and reinforce City’s goalkeeping stability for the season ahead.
For PSG, the bigger question is whether Lucas Chevalier, signed to replace him, can step into the void. Champions League nights will provide the truest test. If Enrique’s new-look side falter while Donnarumma thrives at City, the fallout could haunt PSG’s hierarchy for years.
Should PSG have kept faith with Donnarumma — or was Enrique right to cash in?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *