Manchester United Lead Race for Champions League Winner as Amorim’s Top Target | OneFootball

Manchester United Step Up Pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma

Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim has already seen major attacking additions, but attention is now shifting towards the other end of the pitch. With Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko strengthening the forward line, the focus has moved to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma’s time in Paris appears to be nearing an end. Omitted from PSG’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, the decision is widely viewed as a signal that the Ligue 1 champions are ready to part ways with the Italian. Relations between player and club have reportedly broken down, and with his contract expiring in 2026, PSG are prepared to sell now to avoid losing him for free.

Amorim’s Goalkeeping Priority

“Man United are believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature. Amorim has made Donnarumma’s signing a personal priority, viewing him as the ideal replacement for Andre Onana,” reported Caught Offside. The club are expected to meet with his agent, Enzo Raiola, later this week to discuss a deal that could run until 2030.

Photo: IMAGO

PSG’s asking price is thought to be around €30 million (£26m), with the proposed salary falling below €18 million per year. Donnarumma currently earns around €850,000 per month, over €10 million annually, and has already rejected a renewal offer from PSG that reduced his base salary in favour of performance-related bonuses.

Competition for Signature

Although Manchester United are leading the race, they face competition. Chelsea and Inter Milan are monitoring developments, while Real Madrid remain attentive to the possibility of signing him as a free agent in 2026, when Thibaut Courtois will be approaching 34.

Despite the lack of Champions League football this season, Old Trafford remains an attractive destination for Donnarumma, with United’s history, resources and ongoing rebuild under Amorim all appealing factors. The 26-year-old helped PSG secure a treble last season, making 47 appearances across all competitions.

Strengthening United’s Core

Replacing Onana with Donnarumma would mark a significant change in United’s goalkeeping approach. The Italian is renowned for his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and big-game temperament, qualities that could provide stability for years to come. With a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba also in the works, Amorim’s side appear determined to strengthen spine and structure before the season gets underway.

Photo IMAGO

United’s ability to close this deal swiftly could prove decisive, both in terms of squad balance and setting the tone for the remainder of their transfer business.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United fans, the pursuit of Donnarumma signals a clear intent from Ruben Amorim to address last season’s weaknesses. While Andre Onana showed flashes of his ball-playing quality, inconsistency and high-profile errors created uncertainty. A goalkeeper with Donnarumma’s pedigree offers an instant upgrade in presence, experience and reliability.

The fact that the Italian has won major honours, including last season’s treble with PSG and Euro 2020 with Italy, should not be underestimated. His mentality in high-pressure matches could be exactly what United’s defensive unit needs.

The reported €30 million fee looks reasonable given his age, ability and market value. Although competition from Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid could complicate matters, the opportunity to become the long-term No.1 at Old Trafford may prove too appealing for Donnarumma to turn down.

If United can complete this signing alongside strengthening midfield with Carlos Baleba, the spine of the team would be vastly improved. For a club seeking to return to the top, landing a world-class goalkeeper could be the cornerstone of their resurgence under Amorim.