Gianluigi Donnarumma has spoken out for the first time since completing his move to Manchester City in a deal worth £26m, as he was unveiled as the new No.1 at the Etihad Stadium
10:42, 02 Sep 2025
Paris, France - August 22: Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG says goodbye to the fans following the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on August 22, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma completed his move to Manchester City(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been lauded as one of the world's top goalkeepers following his £26m move to Manchester City.
The shot-stopper joins from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing an end to a nearly four-week saga that cast a shadow over the start of the season. He has signed a five-year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year.
City targeted Donnarumma in early August as a replacement for Ederson after it was revealed the Brazilian was considering leaving. The Italian had previously stated this summer that he had no intention of leaving the club, but his position shifted after the Club World Cup.
Donnarumma was a hero in Paris last season, pulling off numerous exceptional saves to guide PSG to Champions League glory and secure the French league title. However, Luis Enrique decided to replace him this summer, signing a new keeper after informing the Italian that he would be taking a different direction.
There was a grand send-off for Donnarumma at the Parc des Princes the night before City faced Spurs, even though it seemed far from certain that Ederson would depart. However, when interest from Galatasaray in the Brazilian waned, their Turkish rivals Fenerbahce stepped in to seal a deal for City's goalkeeper.
FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 01: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy arrives before Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on September 01, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa - FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
The saga over Donnarumma's future has failed ended(Image: Claudio Villa - FIGC, FIGC via Getty Images)
Donnarumma's signing shakes up the goalkeeper hierarchy, with James Trafford having joined from Burnley for £27m at the start of August anticipating a battle with Ederson for the number one jersey. Following the upheaval that ensued, Trafford has featured in all three Premier League fixtures to date and pulled off several crucial stops during their 2-1 loss to Brighton at the weekend.
The young keeper faces a stern challenge to retain his position, however, as Donnarumma arrives with ambitions of claiming the top spot for himself. He commented: "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.
"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."
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Sporting director Hugo Viana commented: "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.
"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."