Summary
Donnarumma’s departure from PSG seems imminent, generating attention from several clubs, including Manchester City and United, both looking to rebuild.
Saudi clubs are still in the running, but Bayern Munich is eyeing Donnarumma as Neuer’s ultimate successor to preserve strong goalkeeping stability.
AC Milan seeks to reclaim previous glories but has financial difficulties; Barcelona unlikely to sign Donnarumma among custodian surplus.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the custodian for Paris Saint-Germain, has reportedly been shut out of the squad by Luis Enrique. However, after providing many saving masterclasses last season, as Les Parisiens won four trophies, including their elusive first Champions League trophy, he is sure to receive a lot of attention this summer.
Donnarumma has felt like a fixture in the game since his penalty heroics helped Italy win Euro 2020, but at only 26 years old, he still has time to move up the rankings of the world’s finest goalkeepers. Last season, he was crowned Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and made the Champions League Team of the Year after conceding only 14 goals in 15 games and maintaining six clean sheets.
All good things must come to an end, and with a near-certainty that he will depart the City of Lights before the September 1 transfer deadline, up to ten possible suitors are vying for the opportunity to flaunt his experience between the sticks ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Ten Favourites to Sign Gianluigi Donnarumma
Manchester City – 27/100.
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, are currently the overwhelming frontrunners to sign Donnarumma. The Cityzens have been considering a reconstruction over the previous seven months after going trophyless last season, and with Ederson proving more prone to errors, a change between the sticks could be in the works.
However, the arrangement is said to be reliant on the Brazilian getting an exit first. So, while England’s most dominant club over the last decade remains in first place, nothing is written in stone just yet.
Manchester United – 3/1
City are not the only Manchester club looking for a new number one. In fact, given that Andre Onana has been involved in nine errors that resulted in goals since joining Manchester United in 2023 – the most of any Premier League player in that time – and contributed to the club’s worst-ever defensive record in his debut season, the Red Devils may argue they are in even greater need than their neighbours.
After failing to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, Ruben Amorim’s recruitment team may consider Donnarumma as a viable alternative.
Any Saudi club – 8/1
Only three things are guaranteed in life: death, taxes, and Saudi Pro League clubs showing interest whenever a famous name becomes up for sale during the summer transfer window.
As an emerging force in the beautiful game, it’s no surprise that several Middle Eastern clubs are interested in Donnarumma; it’s simply a matter of whether the Italian wants to continue playing at the highest level or pursue a higher salary.
Galatasaray – 14/1
Turkey’s largest football team, and one of the most decorated in the world, may appear to be a red herring in the quest of Donnarumma. Prior to Victor Osimhen’s signing this summer, Galatasaray had never spent more than £15.5 million on a single player, and they are not traditionally regarded as European heavyweights like the Manchester teams.
But perhaps their quick decision to spend £64 million this time demonstrates that this is changing – and landing the Italian would be a message.
Chelsea – 16/1
Chelsea are apparently satisfied with their current goalkeepers, with Robert Sanchez regarded as first-choice and Filip Jorgensen and Gaga Slonina as backups. However, with Jamie Carragher stressing that the Blues must improve their goalkeeping if they are to genuinely compete for the Premier League crown, they may be tempted to reconsider, considering the uncertainty surrounding Donnarumma.
However, if there is any evidence that Sanchez deserves a second chance, it is the fact that Chelsea conceded the second-fewest goals in the Premier League last season, with him playing a key role as Enzo Maresca’s side won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup in the space of a few months.
Bayern Munich – 20/1
Manuel Neuer, at 39, isn’t getting any younger, therefore Bayern Munich may look to Donnarumma as a long-term replacement. Sven Ulreich, Vincent Kompany’s second-choice custodian, is dependable, but he only made one Bundesliga appearance last season, so there is certainly potential for growth.
Neuer resigned from international football after Euro 2024, and his club career is also winding down. Donnarumma, at 26, may provide the German giants with a solid decade between the sticks, relieving any headaches they may face in the near future.
Inter Milan – 33/1
Yann Sommer is clearly one of the top goalkeepers in the world, playing for both Inter Milan and Switzerland. However, considering Neuer is 36 years old, his long-term club will have to consider life after his exploits.
Raffaele Di Gennaro, Josep Martinez, and Alain Taho are also now on the San Siro roster, but none are as good as Donnarumma.
Real Madrid – 35/1
Starting with the list of clubs that may be more loosely interested in Donnarumma, Real Madrid will undoubtedly believe they still have a few years left in Thibaut Courtois. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s first choice custodian, Andriy Lunin, has proven to be a suitable successor.
In 62 appearances for Los Blancos, the 26-year-old has maintained 22 clean sheets and conceded only 70 goals. Signing Donnarumma at this point would feel like keeping up with the Joneses, and it’s uncertain whether the Italian would want to compete with Courtois for the next few years in the first place.
AC Milan – 60/1
AC Milan will be anxious to reclaim their old grandeur in the coming years, and acquiring Donnarumma would go a long way towards achieving their second Scudetto title in 15 years. However, they must accept that, while the free transfer of Luka Modric and the signing of Pervis Estupinan are smart business, they no longer have the pulling power they once did.
Pitching their financially successful idea to Donnarumma may be challenging, considering that their goals aren’t as attainable as his after a four-trophy haul. However, the idea of rejoining with his first club could improve their chances.
Barcelona – 70/1.
Barcelona was barely able to sign Marcus Rashford as they continue to struggle financially, so a deal for Donnarumma appears to be out of the question. The club already has Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczesny, and Espanyol’s Joan García, leaving no room for another goalkeeper.
The Catalan giants are strong in practically every facet of their team, and goalkeeping is no longer a weakness like it was previous year.
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