Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer saga: Could the Italian goalie be Man City perfect fit?
PSG’s goalie, Gianluigi Donnarumma potential move to Manchester City. Photo Credit- Total Football
As the summer transfer window of 2025 nears its crescendo, Manchester City are set to make a sharp move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, with reports indicating that personal terms have been agreed and talks with PSG are advancing. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper, whose contract with PSG expires in June 2026, has emerged as a prime target to replace Ederson, who is linked with a move to Galatasaray or Saudi clubs. Donnarumma’s potential arrival at the Etihad Stadium could redefine City’s goalkeeping landscape, bringing an elite shot-stopper to Pep Guardiola’s squad. This piece is set to explore Donnarumma’s standout 2024/25 season, his playing style, accurate records and statistics, and what Manchester City fans can expect if this blockbuster transfer is finalized.
Gianluigi Donnarumma stellar season at PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma was the backbone of PSG’s historic 2024/25 campaign, which saw them clinch a treble of Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever Champions League title. In 40 appearances across all competitions, he kept 11 clean sheets, with his penalty shootout heroics against Liverpool in the Champions League knockout rounds proving pivotal. At the Club World Cup, Donnarumma set a tournament record with six clean sheets in eight matches, conceding four goals. According to FBref, he conceded 0.97 goals per 90 minutes in Ligue 1, with a 76% save percentage, placing him in the 98th percentile among goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues. Despite PSG’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, Donnarumma’s season was lauded, earning him a Ballon d’Or nomination and a spot on the Yachine Trophy shortlist.
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Donnarumma goalkeeping style
At 6ft 5in, Donnarumma is a towering presence, renowned for his world-class shot-stopping ability. His reflexes and agility, showcased in crucial saves during PSG’s Champions League run, make him arguably the best in the world at denying shots, as NBC Sports highlighted. He dominates his penalty area, claiming 68% of crosses, and his leadership organizes defenses under pressure, a trait honed as Italy’s captain during their Euro 2020 triumph. However, his distribution is a noted weakness, with a 67.4% pass completion rate in Ligue 1, lower than Ederson’s 84%. Critics on social media, noted his career-low 67% save percentage in Ligue 1 last season, though this is misleading given his elite performances in Europe. Donnarumma’s style is less suited to Guardiola’s sweeper-keeper demands, but his shot-stopping prowess could offset this in a system tailored to his strengths.
Donnarumma records and statistics
Donnarumma’s 2024/25 season was a masterclass in goalkeeping excellence. In Ligue 1, he averaged 2.8 saves per game with a 76% save percentage, conceding 31 goals in 32 matches. In the Champions League, his 78% save percentage and five clean sheets in 12 games showed his clutch performances, particularly in the 5-0 final win over Inter Milan. Donnarumma made 150 appearances for PSG since joining in 2021, lifting 10 trophies, including four in 2024/25. His market value stands at €23.8 million, but PSG’s €50 million valuation reflects his contract situation and elite status. Compared to Ederson, who conceded 0.87 goals per game but saved only 67.4% of shots, Donnarumma offers superior shot-stopping but less ball-playing finesse.[]()[]()
Momentum and challenges in Donnarumma transfer to City
Manchester City’s pursuit of Donnarumma has gained public attention, with L’Equipe reporting that personal terms have been agreed, and Pep Guardiola has spoken directly with the Italian. Fabrizio Romano notes that City’s move hinges on Ederson’s departure, with Galatasaray preparing an offer for the Brazilian. PSG’s signing of Lucas Chevalier from Lille for €40 million and Matvey Safonov for €20 million signals their willingness to let Donnarumma go, especially after his exclusion from the UEFA Super Cup squad against Tottenham on August 13, 2025. City are prepared to pay €25-30 million, though PSG’s €50 million asking price could complicate negotiations. Donnarumma’s reported £400,000-a-week wage demands pose another hurdle, but his eagerness to join the Premier League, per TBR Football, suggests a deal is imminent. Competition from Manchester United adds urgency, with United eyeing him as an upgrade over Andre Onana’s error-prone season but haven’t begun begun any serious talk.
How Donnarumma could fit Pep Guardiola tactics
Guardiola’s system demands a goalkeeper who excels in distribution and sweeping, areas where Ederson is among the world’s best. Donnarumma, while not an elite ball-player, brings unmatched shot-stopping and aerial dominance, which could stabilize City’s defense, especially after conceding 34 goals in the 2024/25 Premier League season. His 80.2% save rate in Ligue 1 beats Ederson’s 67.4%, potentially addressing City’s struggles in tight matches, as seen in their 4-0 pre-season loss to Bayern Munich. Guardiola may need to twist his build-up play to accommodate Donnarumma’s limitations, possibly relying more on defenders like Ruben Dias to initiate attacks. With James Trafford, signed for £27 million, as a long-term option, Donnarumma’s arrival could spark a battle for the No. 1 spot, pushing both keepers to elevate their game.
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What fans can expect from Donnarumma
Should Donnarumma join Manchester City, fans can anticipate a goalkeeper who brings elite shot-stopping and leadership to the Etihad. His ability to make game-changing saves, as seen in PSG’s Champions League triumphs and the Club World Cup, could prove decisive in tight Premier League and European matches. City supporters, frustrated by Ederson’s injury-disrupted 2024/25 season (missing 12 league games), will welcome Donnarumma’s reliability, with 114 Ligue 1 appearances over three seasons. However, his weaker distribution may frustrate fans accustomed to Ederson’s pinpoint passing, and adaptation to Guardiola’s possession-heavy system could take time. Posts on social media reflect excitement, with some calling him a “generational talent,” though others question his fit. Donnarumma’s youth (still only 26) promises a decade of top-tier performances, potentially anchoring City’s defense through their next era of dominance.
Conclusion
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s potential transfer to Manchester City represents a bold statement of intent as Pep Guardiola seeks to rebuild after a challenging 2024/25 season. His exceptional shot-stopping, proven by a record-breaking Club World Cup and Champions League heroics, makes him a worthy successor to Ederson. While his distribution needs refinement, his arrival could elevate City’s defensive solidity, complementing new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Cherki. With negotiations advancing and Donnarumma’s camp open to the move, City fans are on the brink of welcoming a goalkeeper who could redefine their backline. If the deal is sealed, the Etihad could witness the dawn of a new goalkeeping dynasty, with Donnarumma at its heart.
