What Is Happening With Gianluigi Donnarumma? Contract Breakdown & Potential Transfers
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What Is Happening With Gianluigi Donnarumma? Contract Breakdown & Potential Transfers

What Is Happening With Gianluigi Donnarumma? Contract Breakdown & Potential Transfers


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.

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?


The Options

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.


Manchester City

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.


Manchester United

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.

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.


What Next?

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.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Jordan Benford

Freelance Football Writer

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