Manchester City have all but completed a deadline day swoop for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City have been in advanced talks to sign Donnarumma for several weeks, but progress hinged on goalkeeper Ederson’s future.
That domino has now fallen, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday (September 1) that the Brazilian has agreed a £12.1m move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, bringing his seven-year spell in Manchester to an end.
The deal immediately accelerated City’s pursuit of Donnarumma, who is expected to join for a fee of just over £30m, according to Romano.
The Italy international had recently become surplus to requirements in Paris following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
Reports in France suggested Donnarumma’s strained relationship with manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos also contributed to the decision to move him on.
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What does Donnarumma bring to City?
Donnarumma will arrive in Manchester after the upcoming international break, having already agreed terms with Pep Guardiola’s side.
The 26-year-old’s signing adds an interesting layer of intrigue to Guardiola’s goalkeeping situation.
City spent £27m to bring in James Trafford from Burnley this summer, and he has started the campaign as first choice.
Trafford enjoyed a positive debut with a 4-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League, but he has since seen his side stumble to back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton, raising questions over his readiness to be City’s No 1.
Guardiola’s currently side have four senior goalkeepers on their books, though BBC Sport has reported that current-backup Stefan Ortega is angling for move away in search of more playing time.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Gigio Donnarumma to Manchester City, HERE WE GO! 🇮🇹
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
Deal done for the Italian GK to join Man City project from Paris Saint-Germain. Medical this afternoon.
Long term deal agreed weeks ago and all done between the two clubs after Éderson signed for Fenerbahçe. pic.twitter.com/TawF4X8nib
Tactical questions ahead for Guardiola
The move also raises some tactical questions over City’s playing style.
Guardiola famously prefers his keepers to be comfortable in possession and proactive in build-up play – a trait Trafford possesses even if his initial outings have not inspired much confidence.
Donnarumma, by contrast, is a more traditional shot-stopper whose distribution has often been criticized.
City’s transfer strategy in recent windows suggests Guardiola is intent on reshaping his squad for both the present and future, though it remains to be seen how he adapts to his new superstar between the posts.
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