Gianluigi Donnarumma’s time at Paris Saint-Germain has ended in a swirl of frustration, pointed words, and a scramble among England’s biggest clubs to secure his signature.
The 26-year-old Italy goalkeeper, a European champion in 2021 and Champions League winner just three months ago, confirmed his departure on Tuesday with a stinging message aimed at PSG manager Luis Enrique.
“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success,” Donnarumma wrote on Instagram. “I am disappointed and disheartened.”
Hours earlier, Enrique had publicly confirmed he had left Donnarumma out of the squad for the Super Cup against Tottenham. “I want a different kind of goalkeeper,” Enrique told reporters. “Gigio is one of the best in the world, but it was my decision. I take full responsibility.”
That decision has opened the door for Premier League clubs.
Manchester City appear to be leading the chase. Manager Pep Guardiola is said to admire Donnarumma’s shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. Reports in France claim the goalkeeper has already agreed personal terms with City, who must now agree a transfer fee with PSG. The French club are believed to value him at £43 million, though his contract expires in less than a year. Any move would almost certainly spell the end of Ederson’s eight-year stay at the Etihad.
Manchester United have also been linked, though their interest is complicated by tight finances. Andre Onana’s shaky form last season — and the lack of a reliable backup — forced manager Ruben Amorim into uncomfortable changes. United sounded out other options earlier in the summer, but Donnarumma’s wages and PSG’s asking price may put him beyond their reach unless they sell players like Jadon Sancho or Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have long been searching for stability between the posts. Robert Sánchez has shown improvement under new manager Enzo Maresca, whose style demands calm distribution from the back. Yet his tendency for costly errors leaves the door open. The Blues have cleared space in the squad, selling Djordje Petrovic and sending Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal. A move for Donnarumma would be opportunistic, but could give Chelsea a world-class presence in goal for years to come.
For Donnarumma, the coming weeks will decide whether his next chapter is written under Guardiola’s relentless standards, Maresca’s possession-first approach, or Amorim’s rebuilding project at Old Trafford. The clock is ticking — the transfer window closes on 1 September — and the Premier League’s top clubs know chances like this do not come often.
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