Manchester City have successfully completed the signing of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, with the 26-year-old scheduled to undergo his medical examination this afternoon before officially joining Pep Guardiola’s project at the Etihad Stadium. The deal represents one of deadline day’s most significant moves, bringing one of world football’s premier goalkeepers to the Premier League.
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Romano Confirms Deal Completion
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided the definitive confirmation with his trademark announcement: “Gigio Donnarumma now set to undergo his medical in Italy after deal done between all parties. He will arrive in Manchester after the international break, but all done and sealed with #MCFC.” The announcement ends weeks of speculation and intensive negotiations between the English and French champions.
The timing of the medical examination in Italy accommodates Donnarumma’s international commitments, with the goalkeeper set to represent Italy in upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel before officially joining his new club.
| Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | €20-30 million |
| Annual Salary | €13-15 million |
| Contract Length | Long-term (until 2030) |
| Medical Date | Monday afternoon (Italy) |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Previous Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
Éderson Departure Facilitates Move
Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City has been directly facilitated by Éderson’s confirmed departure to Fenerbahçe for €13-14 million. The Brazilian’s exit to Turkey created the necessary space in both City’s squad and wage structure to accommodate the Italian international’s arrival and substantial salary demands.
The coordinated nature of these moves demonstrates Manchester City’s strategic approach to squad planning, ensuring they secure a world-class replacement before sanctioning Éderson’s departure. This seamless transition maintains the club’s goalkeeping excellence while refreshing their options between the posts.
PSG Contract Standoff Resolution
The transfer resolves a prolonged contract standoff between Donnarumma and PSG, where the Italian had rejected the club’s offer of a reduced salary structure. PSG had proposed cutting his base salary from €10 million per year to €7 million, with an additional €3 million available through performance-related bonuses.
Donnarumma’s rejection of these terms led to his exclusion from PSG’s European Super Cup squad against Tottenham, sending a clear message about his future at the Parc des Princes. The arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille as his replacement confirmed that PSG had moved on from their Champions League-winning goalkeeper.
| Career Achievements | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Champions League Titles | 1 (PSG 2025) |
| European Championship | Winner 2021 (Player of Tournament) |
| Italy Caps | 74 |
| Ligue 1 Titles | 4 (with PSG) |
| Total Club Appearances | 400+ |
| Serie A Experience | AC Milan (2015-2021) |
Champions League Heroics Highlight Quality
Donnarumma’s recent Champions League triumph with PSG showcased exactly why Manchester City pursued him so aggressively. His performances throughout PSG’s victorious campaign were nothing short of spectacular, with crucial saves in every knockout round that helped secure the club’s first European title.
Against Liverpool in the last-16, Donnarumma’s penalty shootout heroics proved decisive, making crucial saves from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones to eliminate the English side. His remarkable reflexes against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals prevented a stirring comeback, while his four miraculous saves across both legs of the semi-final against Arsenal ensured PSG’s passage to the final.
Financial Investment and Salary Structure
Manchester City’s investment in Donnarumma represents significant financial commitment, with reports suggesting the Italian will earn between €13-15 million annually. This salary package reflects both his world-class abilities and the competitive nature of the modern goalkeeper market, where elite shot-stoppers command premium wages.
The transfer fee, reported to be in the €20-30 million range, represents excellent value for a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s caliber, particularly considering PSG’s initial demands of €50 million earlier in the window. City’s negotiating position was strengthened by Donnarumma’s contract situation, entering the final year of his PSG deal.
Pep Guardiola’s Personal Influence
Reports indicate that Pep Guardiola personally pushed for Donnarumma’s signing, viewing the Italian as the ideal goalkeeper to implement his demanding tactical system. Guardiola’s emphasis on ball-playing abilities from his goalkeepers aligns perfectly with Donnarumma’s technical skills and distribution capabilities.
The Spanish coach’s influence proved crucial in convincing Donnarumma to choose Manchester City over other potential suitors. The prospect of working under one of football’s most innovative tacticians represented a significant draw for the Italian international, who seeks new challenges after his PSG experience.
Impact on James Trafford
Donnarumma’s arrival raises questions about James Trafford’s immediate future at Manchester City. The young English goalkeeper, who returned from Burnley for £27 million last month, has started City’s opening Premier League fixtures but may now face increased competition for the number one position.
However, Guardiola’s track record suggests he values squad depth and competition, with Trafford likely to benefit from working alongside and learning from one of the world’s premier goalkeepers. The arrangement could accelerate the young keeper’s development while providing City with excellent depth.
European Experience and International Pedigree
Donnarumma brings unparalleled experience at the highest levels of international and European football. His performances at Euro 2020, where he was named Player of the Tournament as Italy claimed the title, demonstrated his ability to excel under the most intense pressure situations.
His penalty shootout victory against England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley showcased the mental fortitude and technical excellence that Manchester City hope will translate to success in English football. These experiences make him ideally suited to handle the pressures of competing for City in the Premier League and Champions League.
Tactical Fit and Playing Style
Donnarumma’s playing style appears perfectly suited to Guardiola’s tactical demands, combining exceptional shot-stopping abilities with the distribution skills necessary for City’s possession-based approach. His comfortable ball-handling and accurate passing from the back will integrate seamlessly into City’s build-up play patterns.
The Italian’s commanding presence in the penalty area and ability to organize defensive lines align with City’s need for vocal leadership at the back. His experience in high-pressure situations should prove invaluable as City compete across multiple competitions throughout the season.
Premier League Adaptation Timeline
The structured approach to Donnarumma’s integration, with his arrival planned after the international break, allows for proper preparation and adaptation to English football. This timeline gives City’s coaching staff opportunity to work with their new goalkeeper on tactical understanding and team chemistry.
His previous encounters with English clubs in European competition have provided valuable insight into the demands of facing Premier League opposition. These experiences should facilitate his adaptation to the unique challenges and pace of English domestic football.
Championship Ambitions and Project Vision
Donnarumma’s signing represents a significant statement of intent from Manchester City as they seek to reclaim the Premier League title and make another Champions League push. His proven ability to excel in crucial moments could prove decisive in tight title races and knockout competitions.
The Italian’s arrival also reinforces City’s commitment to maintaining elite standards across their squad, ensuring they remain competitive at the highest levels of domestic and European football despite recent transitions in key positions.
Looking Forward: New Era Begins
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s confirmed move to Manchester City marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both player and club. His combination of technical excellence, experience, and proven ability to perform in crucial moments makes him an ideal addition to Guardiola’s evolving squad.
For City, securing one of world football’s premier goalkeepers demonstrates their continued ambition to compete at the highest level, while for Donnarumma, the move offers the opportunity to test himself in the world’s most demanding league under one of football’s greatest coaches.
Read More: Goalkeeper Éderson Finalizes €14m Fenerbahçe Move from Manchester City in Deadline Day Deal
FAQs
How much did Manchester City pay for Gianluigi Donnarumma?
Manchester City agreed to pay PSG between €20-30 million for Donnarumma’s transfer. The fee was reduced from PSG’s initial €50 million asking price due to the goalkeeper’s contract situation, having only one year remaining on his deal.
When will Donnarumma undergo his Manchester City medical?
Donnarumma is scheduled to undergo his medical examination this afternoon (Monday) in Italy. The location accommodates his international commitments with Italy before he officially joins Manchester City after the international break.
What salary will Donnarumma earn at Manchester City?
Reports suggest Donnarumma will earn between €13-15 million annually at Manchester City. This represents a significant increase from PSG’s final contract offer of €7 million base salary plus €3 million in bonuses.
Why did Donnarumma leave Paris Saint-Germain?
Donnarumma left PSG after rejecting their contract extension offer, which would have reduced his base salary from €10 million to €7 million annually. He was subsequently excluded from the squad and replaced by Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
How does this affect James Trafford’s role at Manchester City?
Trafford will likely face increased competition for the number one position but could benefit from working alongside and learning from one of the world’s premier goalkeepers. Guardiola values squad depth and the arrangement could accelerate Trafford’s development.
