Gianluigi Donnarumma linked with Premier League move amid PSG fallout, but not to Manchester United
Just months after winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time in club history, Paris Saint-Germain decided to move on from one of their most decisive players. Gianluigi Donnarumma has said goodbye to the French club, and now the Premier League is emerging as a likely destination. However, contrary to early reports, Manchester United are no longer considered the frontrunners to land him.
A few days ago, PSG left the Italian goalkeeper out of the squad for the European Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, as he had yet to reach an agreement with the club to extend his contract, which expires on June 30, 2026. On Tuesday, Donnarumma posted a farewell message to PSG fans on social media.
Given Gianluigi’s high profile and superstar status—elevated further by this year’s Champions League title—it didn’t take long for top-tier clubs to express interest in signing him. Among them is one of the Premier League’s biggest names, but not Manchester United, who had previously been linked to the goalkeeper.
“Manchester City has already begun talks with the Italian’s entourage, who is also highly regarded by Pep Guardiola,” RMC Sport reported Tuesday. “The agreement between Donnarumma and City will not pose a problem, as the player is very interested in City.”
Why is Manchester City targeting a goalkeeper?
While Gianluigi Donnarumma is a world-class goalkeeper, Manchester City haven’t exactly had issues at that position in recent years. Ederson has been a key figure for the club, showing consistency in crucial moments and playing a major role in their recent success—including the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League triumph.
However, the Brazilian keeper could be on his way out soon. “The English club, third in the Premier League last season, has targeted the Italian international in the event of the departure of their current goalkeeper, Ederson,” RMC Sport added.
Reports from Fanatik indicate that Ederson has been in contact with Turkish side Galatasaray and that the two parties have already reached an agreement. The final step is approval from Manchester City, who have reportedly received a €3 million ($3.5 million) offer for the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Comparing Ederson and Donnarumma
To replace a top-tier goalkeeper, Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on another elite talent. But in the hypothetical case that Gianluigi Donnarumma takes Ederson’s place, the question becomes whether this change is a step forward—or a potential setback—for the Citizens.
In terms of age, Donnarumma holds a clear advantage. At just 26, he potentially has a decade left at the highest level. Ederson, now 31, has a more limited horizon. However, Ederson’s experience in England works heavily in his favor: he’s helped Manchester City win 18 trophies over the past seven years and has rarely been blamed for high-profile errors.
Donnarumma, by contrast, had an excellent 2024–25 campaign in which he solidified his position as PSG’s undisputed starter. But prior to that, he faced heavy criticism—particularly after the club’s Champions League exits at the hands of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in 2022 and 2023.