The transfer market is ablaze with speculation as Paris Saint-Germain’s star goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, finds himself at the center of a Premier League tug-of-war. Both Manchester United and Manchester City have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old Italian, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at PSG following their £48 million signing of Lille’s Lucas Chevalier. However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has issued a stark warning to both clubs, questioning whether Donnarumma’s skill set aligns with their needs, particularly for City’s tactical demands under Pep Guardiola. As the transfer window nears its close, the debate over Donnarumma’s future is intensifying, with his departure from Paris seemingly inevitable.
Donnarumma’s exclusion from PSG’s UEFA Super Cup squad against Tottenham on August 13, 2025, sent shockwaves through the football world, signaling the end of his tenure with the Champions League winners. Despite his pivotal role in PSG’s triumphant 2024-25 season, which included a Champions League title and a domestic treble, head coach Luis Enrique has made it clear he seeks a “different profile” of goalkeeper. “Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt, and even better as a person,” Enrique said, acknowledging the Italian’s quality while defending his decision to prioritize Chevalier. Donnarumma, disheartened by the move, took to social media, stating, “Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.”
For Manchester City, the interest in Donnarumma hinges on the uncertain future of their current No. 1, Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. City have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks with James Trafford’s £27 million return from Burnley and Marcus Bettinelli’s arrival from Chelsea, raising questions about the need for another high-profile signing. Balague, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed skepticism about Donnarumma’s fit at the Etihad: “I am surprised Pep considers Donnarumma as one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, because in the six-yard box he no doubt has something special… But with his feet he is not the best, unless he thinks ‘I can change that’, which would be a Pep Guardiola way of thinking.” Guardiola’s system demands a goalkeeper who excels in distribution, a trait Ederson has mastered with a record eight Premier League assists. Donnarumma’s passing accuracy of 85.4% in Ligue 1 last season is impressive but falls short of Ederson’s, and his save percentage of 66.2% has raised eyebrows given his 6ft 5in frame.
Across town, Manchester United see Donnarumma as a potential upgrade over Andre Onana, whose eight errors leading to goals since the 2023-24 season have fueled uncertainty in Ruben Amorim’s backline. Wayne Rooney, a United legend, urged the club to seize the opportunity, stating on the *Wayne Rooney Show*, “Donnarumma is 26, he’s one of the best keepers in the world, it’d be crazy if Man United don’t go for him. I don’t think he’s a risk.” United’s interest, however, is complicated by their inability to offload Onana, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. The club’s financial flexibility, with only £40 million added to their balance sheet in amortization costs this summer, could allow them to meet PSG’s reported £26 million asking price without breaching Premier League profitability rules.
Donnarumma’s agent, Enzo Raiola, has accused PSG of showing “zero respect” to his client, who offered to reduce his salary to stay in Paris. Raiola’s combative stance echoes the legacy of his late cousin, Mino Raiola, and he has been in talks with both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. Reports suggest Donnarumma is “fascinated” by the prospect of working under Guardiola and is open to joining City, though he also finds the idea of living in London with Chelsea appealing. Italian journalist Aurelio Capaldi noted, “He’s very interested in joining Man City or Chelsea. He would love to play under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.”
The goalkeeper’s preference for a Premier League move is clear, but his reported €12 million annual salary demand could pose a challenge, particularly for United, where fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed concerns: “He wants 300k per week wages, which is why he isn’t at PSG… I wouldn’t want him.” Despite his stellar performances, including five clean sheets in eight Club World Cup games and crucial saves against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League, Donnarumma’s distribution has been flagged as a weakness, potentially clashing with City’s possession-based philosophy.
As the transfer saga unfolds, Donnarumma’s next move remains uncertain. Will he join City to replace Ederson, or could United capitalize on their rival’s hesitation to secure a world-class talent? With the clock ticking, both clubs must weigh the risks and rewards of signing a goalkeeper whose shot-stopping prowess is undeniable but whose fit in their systems is under scrutiny.
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