Italian goalkeeper and PSG stalwart Gianluigi Donnarumma has officially announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in an emotional Instagram statement, expressing his disappointment after being excluded from the UEFA Super Cup squad. The 26-year-old Italy captain’s shocking exit comes despite playing a crucial role in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in French football.
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Donnarumma’s Emotional PSG Exit Announcement
Gianluigi Donnarumma confirmed his imminent departure from PSG through a heartfelt Instagram post that resonated deeply with football fans worldwide. The Italian goalkeeper expressed his profound disappointment at being forced out despite giving “everything” for the French champions.
“To the special Paris fans, from the first day I arrived, I gave everything — on and off the pitch — to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain,” Donnarumma wrote. “Unfortunately someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.”
The goalkeeper’s exclusion from PSG’s UEFA Super Cup squad against Tottenham Hotspur served as the final confirmation that his time at the Parc des Princes has come to an abrupt end, despite his stellar performances throughout the previous season.
Luis Enrique Takes Full Responsibility
PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while taking complete ownership of Donnarumma’s exclusion. The Spanish coach emphasized that the choice was purely tactical, based on his vision for the team’s goalkeeper profile.
“Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt, and even better as a person,” Luis Enrique told Sky Italy. “But this is the life of high-level footballers. I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it; these decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper that my team needs.”
Lucas Chevalier: The €55 Million Replacement
PSG’s decision to part ways with Donnarumma became clear with their acquisition of Lucas Chevalier from Lille in a deal worth €40 million plus an additional €15 million in potential bonuses. Sources confirmed that the 23-year-old French goalkeeper was signed specifically to become the club’s new number one.
Comparison: Donnarumma vs Chevalier
| Aspect | Donnarumma | Chevalier |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 26 years | 23 years |
| Experience | 400+ career appearances | Emerging talent |
| Distribution | Traditional style | Modern ball-playing |
| Contract Status | 1 year remaining | Long-term deal |
| Salary | €850,000/month | Significantly lower |
The tactical shift represents Luis Enrique’s preference for a goalkeeper with superior distribution skills and greater comfort with the ball at his feet – attributes that Chevalier possesses in abundance compared to Donnarumma’s more traditional goalkeeping style.
Contract Standoff: Financial Disagreements at the Heart
The breakdown in Donnarumma’s relationship with PSG stems from irreconcilable differences over contract negotiations. Despite having one year remaining on his current deal until June 2026, the Italian international sought both an extension and a significant pay increase.
Financial Breakdown
| Current Terms | Donnarumma’s Demands | PSG’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| €850,000/month | Pay raise + extension | New salary structure |
| High base salary | Continued high wages | Lower base + incentives |
| 1 year remaining | Multi-year extension | No new deal |
| Guaranteed money | Security | Performance-based pay |
Sources revealed that Donnarumma refused to accept PSG’s new salary structure implemented by sporting director Luis Campos, which emphasizes lower base salaries with substantial incentives based on individual and collective performances. The goalkeeper’s demands for a pay raise while already being one of the squad’s highest earners created an impasse that ultimately led to his departure.
Champions League Hero Cast Aside
The timing of Donnarumma’s exit appears particularly harsh given his instrumental role in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph in 2025. The Italian goalkeeper delivered crucial performances throughout the knockout stages, including memorable saves against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal that helped secure the club’s first-ever European Cup.
Donnarumma’s Champions League Heroics (2024/25)
| Round | Opponent | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | Liverpool | Penalty saves vs Núñez & Jones |
| Quarter-Final | Aston Villa | Crucial saves in away leg |
| Semi-Final | Arsenal | Outstanding performance |
| Final | Inter Milan | Clean sheet in 5-0 victory |
His performances in Europe’s premier competition established him as one of the tournament’s standout players, making his subsequent exclusion from the squad all the more surprising for observers and fans alike.
European Giants Circle for Donnarumma
The Italian goalkeeper’s availability has attracted significant interest from Europe’s elite clubs, with multiple Premier League giants and Serie A contenders expressing concrete interest. Sources confirm that Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Manchester City have all made contact with Donnarumma’s agent, Enzo Raiola.
Transfer Interest Analysis
Premier League Contenders:
- Manchester United: Concerns over André Onana’s consistency
- Chelsea: Seeking reliability in goalkeeping position
- Manchester City: Long-term admirers exploring possibilities
Serie A Interest:
- Inter Milan: Pursuing potential free transfer for 2026
- Juventus: Monitoring situation closely
Other Options:
- Bayern Munich: Exploring €25-30 million bid
- Real Madrid: Long-term goalkeeping solution
PSG’s Strategic Shift Under Luis Enrique
Donnarumma’s departure represents more than just a personnel change; it signals a fundamental tactical evolution under Luis Enrique’s leadership. The Spanish coach’s preference for ball-playing goalkeepers who can contribute to build-up play has driven the decision to prioritize Chevalier’s modern skill set over Donnarumma’s traditional shot-stopping excellence.
This philosophical shift aligns with modern football trends, where goalkeepers are expected to function as additional outfield players during possession phases. Luis Enrique’s successful implementation of this system at Barcelona and the Spanish national team provides the blueprint for PSG’s tactical evolution.
Donnarumma’s Career Journey and Achievements
The potential departure from PSG would mark another significant chapter in Donnarumma’s remarkable career trajectory. The Italian international has consistently performed at the highest level since breaking into AC Milan’s first team at just 16 years old.
Career Statistics and Honors
| Club | Years | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Major Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 2015-2021 | 251 | 88 | Serie A qualification |
| PSG | 2021-2025 | 161 | 51 | Champions League, Ligue 1 |
| Italy | 2016-present | 60+ | 25+ | Euro 2020, Nations League |
Individual Accolades:
- Serie A Best Goalkeeper (2021)
- IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper
- Yashin Trophy winner
- UEFA Euro 2020 Golden Glove
Impact on PSG’s Dressing Room
Sources close to the PSG squad suggest that Donnarumma’s departure has created mixed emotions within the dressing room. The Italian’s leadership qualities and professionalism had earned him respect among teammates, making his sudden exclusion a difficult situation for the squad to process.
His emotional farewell message acknowledged these relationships: “To my team-mates — my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers.”
Market Implications and Transfer Timeline
With approximately 20 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Donnarumma’s situation presents a unique opportunity for clubs seeking a world-class goalkeeper. However, PSG’s preference for a permanent sale rather than a loan arrangement may complicate negotiations.
Potential Transfer Scenarios
- Immediate Sale: €25-30 million fee to interested clubs
- Loan with Option: Temporary move with future purchase clause
- Free Transfer 2026: Wait until contract expiration
- January Window: Mid-season move if no summer resolution
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Parties
For PSG, the transition to Chevalier represents a calculated risk that could either vindicate Luis Enrique’s tactical vision or create goalkeeping instability. The young Frenchman faces enormous pressure to immediately justify the decision to replace a Champions League-winning goalkeeper.
Donnarumma, meanwhile, faces the challenge of finding a new club that matches his ambitions while potentially taking a financial compromise to secure regular first-team football. His preference for Premier League football, as privately expressed, could influence his final destination.
FAQs
Why is Donnarumma leaving PSG despite winning the Champions League?
Donnarumma is leaving due to a combination of factors: tactical differences with Luis Enrique, contract disagreements over salary structure, and PSG’s decision to sign Lucas Chevalier as their new number one goalkeeper.
Which clubs are interested in signing Donnarumma?
Multiple top European clubs have shown interest, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. All have reportedly contacted his agent Enzo Raiola.
How much could Donnarumma cost in the transfer market?
Reports suggest PSG would accept offers around €25-30 million for Donnarumma this summer, though he could leave as a free agent when his contract expires in June 2026.
What did Luis Enrique say about dropping Donnarumma?
Luis Enrique took “100% responsibility” for the decision, stating it was based on the “profile of goalkeeper that my team needs,” emphasizing tactical rather than personal reasons.
When does Donnarumma’s PSG contract expire?
Donnarumma’s current contract with PSG runs until June 30, 2026, meaning he has one year remaining on his deal, making him eligible for a free transfer next summer if no move materializes this window.
