Manchester City have struck a deal to secure Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma following their decision to offload Ederson to Fenerbahce. Pep Guardiola is seeking to reorganise his goalkeeping department this term after Ederson slipped down the hierarchy, with homegrown talent James Trafford arriving from Burnley in a deal worth approximately £27million.
However, Trafford has endured a difficult homecoming at the Etihad following a crucial mistake during the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last week, prompting Guardiola to admit uncertainty over his first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the Brighton fixture. Italy international Donnarumma has been heavily touted for a switch to City after losing his position under Luis Enrique following Lucas Chevalier's arrival. He declared his preference for "a different goalkeeping profile" and is now eager to finalise his departure before the transfer window closes.
City officials have now finalised a comprehensive agreement with PSG to acquire Donnarumma, who will assume the role as the club's first-choice shot-stopper.
This development followed City's arrangement with Fenerbahce for a deal potentially worth £12m for Ederson, with personal terms reportedly settled after negotiations between representative Jorge Mendes and club director Devin Ozek. The Brazilian is now journeying to Turkey for his medical examination.
Ederson is poised to conclude his eight-year tenure with City that has witnessed him claim six Premier League crowns and the Champions League. Donnarumma, who is now poised to undergo a medical at City before the 7pm deadline, remains one of the world's top goalkeepers despite his current situation at PSG.
The 26-year-old clinched the Champions League with the French champions last season, adding to his impressive collection of trophies which includes a European Championship, an Italian Super Cup, four Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups.
Since joining PSG from AC Milan in 2021, he has made a total of 161 appearances. Donnarumma seemed to bid an emotional farewell to fans after appearing on the pitch following their 1-0 victory over Angers last week.
His arrival will significantly bolster City's goalkeeping options, following Guardiola's admission that he was uncertain about his first-choice goalkeeper.
When questioned about his No.1 keeper, he responded: "All the clubs, before the international transfer window is closed, everything is possible. It's as simple as that. After that, we're going to play [Manchester] United and Champions League and Arsenal. After everything will be more clear and now we take a decision. It depends on the performance and it depends on many reasons."