Gianluigi Donnarumma joins Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain | OneFootball

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £26 million, it has been confirmed.

The arrival of Donnarumma marks one of the most significant moves of the summer transfer window for Pep Guardiola’s side, adding both quality and international pedigree to City’s goalkeeping ranks.

The Italian’s transfer not only bolsters the squad ahead of a crucial campaign but also raises new questions about the prospects of current first-team options, particularly James Trafford – who has held down the No.1 role since the start of the campaign.

With Manchester City enduring a tense few weeks of uncertainty over their goalkeeping department, the capture of Donnarumma signals a proactive approach from the Etihad Stadium hierarchy following Ederson’s exit to Fenerbahce.

The Italian star, who has long been considered one of the best in his position, represents both a present-day solution and a long-term investment given his age and experience. His ability to command the area, distribute with composure, and thrive under pressure makes him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The deal also highlights Manchester City’s ability to move swiftly in the market when opportunities arise. The club have been linked with several names in recent months, but the pursuit of Donnarumma shows a clear strategy to reinforce a crucial area of the squad with a world-class operator who is still yet to reach his peak years.

As announced by Manchester City on Tuesday, Gianluigi Donnarumma has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2030, with the option of a further 12 months at the club.

The understanding is that City officials have signed the Italy international shot-stopper from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £26 million.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website, Gianluigi Donnarumma said, “To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me.

“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.

He continued, “I have admired watching Manchester City for many years – so to now be able to play for the Club is a huge honour and a privilege. I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, the staff and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me.

“I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the Club achieve even more success.”

Offering his own verdict on the agreement, sporting director Hugo Viana said, “Gianluigi’s pedigree, quality and record speaks for itself, and we are all absolutely thrilled he has joined us here at City.

“He has accumulated a wealth of top-level experience and knows what is required to achieve success on a sustained level. From a remarkably young age, he has played at the very top level. That is unusual for a goalkeeper and it means he arrives here as one of the best in the world in his position. “

Viana continued, “There is no doubt Gianluigi will bring further quality and depth to our top-class goalkeeping department. Everyone here is very excited to welcome Gianluigi to Manchester City and we wish him all the very best during his time here with us.”

The signing of Donnarumma follows Ederson’s exit to the Turkish Super Lig after eight remarkable seasons as the stand-out number one choice between the posts for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

Elsewhere and Stefan Ortega reportedly rejected multiple offers during the summer in order to remain at the Etihad Stadium until the situation became clearer. However, it is unlikely that the German will be able to break into consistent action unless an injury was to arise.

In the short term, Pep Guardiola faces the challenge of balancing game time and competition among three high-level goalkeepers. The Italian is expected to compete immediately for the number one spot, but with James Trafford’s place in the squad, Guardiola may opt for rotation across competitions until one emerges as the undisputed first choice.

Longer term, Donnarumma’s signing may signal the beginning of a new era between the posts at City. With a contract running until 2030, the club appear to be securing not only short-term reliability but also a long-term solution.