Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain speaks with Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.placeholder image
Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain speaks with Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. | Getty Images
Manchester City have confirmed a deadline day transfer signing that has the potential to infuriate Newcastle United
Manchester City have signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, with the deal announced well after Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.
Gianluigi Donnarumma reacts to Man City move
Speaking about his move to the Etihad Stadium, 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.
“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.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma move to Man City could leave Newcastle United infuriated
Why would Newcastle United be annoyed by this deal? Well, it comes down to City’s number one for the opening games of the Premier League season - James Trafford.
The Magpies had been long-term admirers of Trafford and had tried to sign him from Burnley this summer. They had a £27m bid accepted by the Clarets for the England international but their move was hijacked by City.
City sold Trafford to Burnley and inserted a buy-back clause of £40m in the deal but they also included a matching rights clause. It meant that if any team had a bid accepted for Trafford, City could match it - which is exactly what they did for Trafford. Newcastle’s accepted bid was £13m lower than the buy-back clause, which helped City save money on the deal.
Now the arrival of Donnarumma could see Trafford demoted to the bench. For Newcastle, seeing one of their prime summer targets be a number two elsewhere will stir emotions of frustration and anger.
For City, the opportunity to sign a player of Donnarumma’s pedigree and experience for just £26m could not be turned down - but it may spell bad news for Trafford and leave Newcastle reeling.
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