Gianluigi Donnarumma in action for PSG in the club World Cup - wanted by Manchester City in 2025.

‘Unusual’ — Gianluigi Donnarumma first words after £26m Man City transfer

John William Last updated: Sep 2, 2025, 11:25 am
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Image: IMAGO / Brazil Photo Press

Manchester City have completed the £26m signing of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year.

Manchester City have confirmed the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in a £26m deal from Paris Saint-Germain, ending a transfer saga that ran for nearly four weeks.

The Italy international has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further year, immediately challenging James Trafford for the No.1 role after Ederson completed a switch to Fenerbahce.

Donnarumma, hailed as one of the best keepers in the world, leaves PSG after lifting the Champions League and Ligue 1 title last season. Luis Enrique opted to replace him this summer, paving the way for Pep Guardiola to step in.

Donnarumma’s First Words at Man City

The goalkeeper admitted he felt “special and proud” to make the switch, insisting he has long admired the Premier League champions.

“To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me. I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.” — Gianluigi Donnarumma, new Manchester City signing

Donnarumma added that he is motivated to deliver from day one.

“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years — so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege. I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the Club achieve even more success.” — Gianluigi Donnarumma

Sporting Director on the Signing

City’s sporting director Hugo Viana hailed the deal as a rare opportunity to secure a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s profile at such a young age.

“From a remarkably young age, he has played at the very top level. That is unusual for a goalkeeper and it means he arrives here as one of the best in the world in his position. There is no doubt Gianluigi will bring further quality and depth to our top-class goalkeeping department.” — Hugo Viana, Manchester City sporting director

Gianluigi Donnarumma — 2024/25 Season at PSG

Stat (2024/25) Donnarumma
Appearances 46
Goals Conceded 37
Clean Sheets 20
Saves Per Game 3.1
Save Percentage 77%
Average Rating 7.1

source: sofascore season data – 2024/25

Donnarumma’s record underlines why City moved quickly: his 20 clean sheets and 77% save success place him among Europe’s elite keepers.

Analyst Verdict

FootballPlace analyst John William said:

“This is a bargain by modern standards. £26m for a Champions League-winning goalkeeper in his prime is extraordinary business. City now have an elite No.1 with years ahead of him.”

He added:

“James Trafford’s shaky start made this deal a necessity. Guardiola needs security in goal, especially with a defensive line that pushes so high. Donnarumma will provide exactly that.”

Key Insights

  • Manchester City sign Donnarumma from PSG for £26m.
  • Five-year deal signed with option of a sixth.
  • Ederson joins Fenerbahce, Trafford relegated to No.2 role.
  • Donnarumma: 46 appearances, 20 clean sheets last season.
  • Sporting director Viana calls his career path ‘unusual’ for a goalkeeper.

What’s Next?

Donnarumma will join up with City after the international break and is expected to debut in the Premier League later this month. His arrival reshapes City’s goalkeeping hierarchy, with Trafford now competing for minutes in cup competitions.

For Guardiola, the move provides long-term stability between the posts as City push for another Champions League and Premier League title.

Will Donnarumma become Guardiola’s undisputed No.1 — or will Trafford fight back for his spot?

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