Gianluigi Donnarumma’s career has never been short of headlines. From making his debut at just 16 for AC Milan, to winning the European Championships with Italy and lifting the Champions League with PSG most recently, he has already achieved more than most goalkeepers dream of — and he’s still only 26.
Gigio Donnarumma has been playing first team football since he was 16 😳 pic.twitter.com/tbgrdaGyTj
— Gold (@Goldco69) August 13, 2025
But his time in Paris looks to be drawing to a close, and not a pleasant one at that. Lucas Chevalier has been signed, meaning that Donnarumma was left out of the Super Cup squad, and with no contract extension agreed, PSG face a dilemma. Either they cash in this summer or risk losing him on a free in 12 months.
So where could he go?
Chelsea and Inter have both been linked in recent months, but realistically, the finances involved may be too heavy for either side. That leaves two English giants — Manchester City and Manchester United — as the most intriguing possibilities.
Pep Guardiola remains a big admirer of Gianluigi Donnarumma, despite Man City’s recent signing of James Trafford. 🧤
— City Chief (@City_Chief) August 12, 2025
[via @FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/ay2gbvVogi
On the surface, City don’t look desperate for a goalkeeper. They’ve just signed James Trafford, a young prospect with plenty of promise, and still have Ederson in goal. However, Ederson has been the subject of exit rumours, and if he does leave, City would have no issue paying for a proven world-class replacement.
That’s where Donnarumma comes in. He’d be a ready-made solution at the highest level. The complication, of course, is Trafford. Pep Guardiola and sections of the fanbase see him as a long-term project — a modern keeper who fits the City style.
Signing Donnarumma could stall Trafford’s pathway, which has already led to mixed feelings among supporters. Some want the Italian’s guaranteed quality, while others want to see faith placed in Trafford with another young prospect signed instead to provide competition. Royal Antwerp's starlet, Senne Lammens (23), has been linked with the Citizens.
According to @sachatavolieri, #ManCity are now exploring a move for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens (23). ❗️
— City Report (@cityreport_) August 22, 2025
PSG are demanding a fee deemed too high for Donnarumma and negotiations have stalled, with City turning their attention elsewhere. 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/u54lxerjQd
Across town, United’s need is far more obvious. Their goalkeeping struggles have been well documented, and even against Arsenal at the weekend, this weakness was on full display. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir haven't convinced, leaving United vulnerable in one of the most important positions on the pitch.
The difference for that game of football was so clear and obvious.
— TFF (@Tfootball4cast) August 17, 2025
The goalkeepers!
One was pony.
The other was class.
How Manchester United didn’t beg, steal and borrow to get Donnarumma through the door I’ll never know. He would pretty much complete their side. #MANARS pic.twitter.com/bnskGAGVHw
With midfield also an area crying out for investment, it’s clear United have big calls to make this summer. But for Ruben Amorim, should he remain in charge, securing an elite goalkeeper like Donnarumma would be transformative. Stability between the posts could finally provide the platform for his style of play to flourish at Old Trafford.
The major sticking point is wages. Donnarumma is on a hefty contract in Paris, and wherever he goes, it’s unlikely he’ll be paid the same as PSG are offering. That leaves both City and United with a chance, but the clock is ticking.
With just a couple of weeks of the window left, his future remains up in the air. But one thing is certain — Donnarumma will not be short of suitors.
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