Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day without any challenge from Real Madrid or other clubs.
The Italian unexpectedly appeared on the transfer market after Paris Saint-Germain signed Lucas Chevalier, despite the 26-year-old having played a key role in the French club’s success the previous season.
Man City signed Donnarumma as part of a £30m deal on the final day of the transfer window, with the goalkeeper replacing Ederson, who decided to start a new chapter in his career in Turkey with Fenerbahce.
The Manchester club might have been surprised that they were unchallenged when they moved for Donnarumma, and Fabrizio Romano has shared the reason why Real Madrid were never involved in the race.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after team mate Desire Doue (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025.
Photo by Lars Baron – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Real Madrid have agreed a new contract with Thibaut Courtois
Manchester United were the only other club interested in signing Donnarumma this summer after it was made clear that the Italian would be leaving Paris.
This may come as a surprise to many, as the 26-year-old was immense last season for PSG and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
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Real Madrid might have been an option for the Italian had circumstances been different, but according to Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga giants never moved for the Man City star as they had agreed a contract with Thibaut Courtois.
“I can guarantee that there is a contract in place for Brahim Diaz and a contract in place for Thibaut Courtois,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“So, just waiting to have the formal steps. What does it mean that after the approval from the lawyers on the player side and on the club side, they just need the official act to sign the contract to be officially renewed.
“But Courtois is staying, he is considered a really important player for the present and future of Real Madrid, and this is why, for example, Real Madrid never entered the conversation for Donnarumma.
“Donnarumma was a big opportunity on the market, but Real Madrid never went for him because they are extending Courtois.”
How Gianluigi Donnarumma compares to Thibaut Courtois
Donnarumma and Courtois are very similar, as both are very good goalkeepers on their line, while not being renowned for their ball-playing skills.
This is the main reason why many have questioned Donnarumma’s move to Man City, as this is a key element of how Pep Guardiola likes his teams to play.
Player Games Goals Conceded Clean Sheets Minutes
Thibaut Courtois 53 63 17 4830
Gianluigi Donnarumma 47 43 17 4192
Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 24/25 stats
The two goalkeepers are considered among the three best in the world, alongside Liverpool’s Alisson, with the only thing separating the Belgian from the rest being his ability to claim crosses and produce incredible acrobatic saves.
Being 33, it is a surprise that Real Madrid never even gave the idea of replacing Courtois some thought, as it is clear that they believe they can get a few more years out of the Belgian international.