Gianluigi Donnarumma’s journey with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has come to an end. The Italian goalkeeper not only announced the termination of their partnership but also felt deeply 失落 after being left out of the European Super Cup squad. Following the collapse of contract renewal talks, PSG took a hardline stance: no renewal means he must leave. Now, his departure is a certainty—whether via a summer transfer or as a free agent next year.
Premier League giants Manchester City were the first to make a move, holding direct negotiations with PSG, but price has emerged as the biggest roadblock. PSG initially demanded €55 million, but City dismissed this as exorbitant. In their view, with Donnarumma in the final year of his contract and long excluded from PSG’s future plans, his value should be far lower—let alone €50 million; even €35 million may exceed their expectations.
The deal has two "non-negotiable conditions": first, Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper Ederson must leave (Turkish side Galatasaray are in advanced talks with him); second, both parties must reach an agreement on the transfer fee. City manager Pep Guardiola highly rates Donnarumma, seeing him as a world-class goalkeeper, and the player himself is open to a move to the Premier League. However, salary remains a hurdle: Donnarumma’s after-tax annual income exceeds €10 million, plus performance bonuses, which is no small burden for any club.
Manchester United contacted the player’s agent last week to sound out the situation but have not advanced to substantive negotiations; City are the only genuine suitors. The success of the deal, though, still hinges on financial details and Ederson’s next move.
Meanwhile, Guardiola is also pushing hard for another key signing: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But this transfer has a prerequisite—Savinho must first move to Tottenham (the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement). Additionally, James McAtee’s transfer to Nottingham Forest is progressing; these two deals are crucial for City to raise funds. Fortunately, the club faces no issues with Financial Fair Play, and the recycled funds can be fully allocated to pursue Rodrygo, whom Guardiola holds in high regard. Real Madrid have set a starting price of €100 million for the Brazilian winger, with talks between the two sides now in the offing.
