City wants to relieve PSG of headache case and offload their own goalkeeper

A high-profile goalkeeper shake-up could be on the horizon in European football, with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain now looking inevitable.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that the 26-year-old Italian has refused to sign a contract extension with the French champions, whose current deal with him runs until mid-2026. PSG have already moved decisively to line up his replacement, securing the signature of French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille. This acquisition has all but confirmed Donnarumma’s departure, with the Parisian club determined to avoid the prospect of losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Romano further revealed that PSG have set an asking price of €50 million for Donnarumma. While this valuation reflects the goalkeeper’s standing as one of the most recognisable and decorated keepers in world football, it is considered steep by Manchester City, who have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature. City’s interest, however, hinges on a major outgoing: the potential departure of long-serving Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.

The BBC has corroborated Romano’s reporting, adding that City are closely tracking Donnarumma’s situation and could act swiftly if Ederson leaves. The 31-year-old Brazilian is understood to be a serious target for Galatasaray, who have reportedly been pursuing him for some time. Should he make the move to Turkey, it would bring an end to a remarkable eight-season spell at the Etihad Stadium.

Ederson’s arrival at Manchester City in 2017, in a €40 million transfer from Benfica, marked a turning point for the club’s goalkeeping department. His exceptional distribution skills, composure under pressure, and ability to act as an eleventh outfield player transformed City’s build-up play under Pep Guardiola. Over the years, Ederson became a key pillar of the team’s domestic dominance, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and crowning his City career at least so far with victory in the 2022/23 Champions League.

Despite his consistent performances, there has been a sense in recent months that both club and player may be ready for a change. Injuries and fluctuations in form last season opened the door for speculation about his future, and the opportunity to cash in on him now, while still in his prime, could appeal to City’s sporting hierarchy.

Negotiations between Manchester City and Donnarumma’s representatives are said to be progressing positively, with no issues expected over personal terms. Sources close to the player suggest he is eager to join Guardiola’s side, attracted by the prospect of competing in the Premier League and challenging for major titles every season. For City, the chance to acquire a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s calibre still relatively young for his position could secure their last line of defence for the next decade.

Donnarumma’s own journey has been eventful. He burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at AC Milan, becoming their first-choice goalkeeper before he had even reached adulthood. His towering presence, sharp reflexes, and penalty-saving ability quickly made him one of the most coveted young players in the game. In the summer of 2021, he stunned Italian football by leaving Milan on a free transfer, signing with PSG after guiding Italy to victory at Euro 2020, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

His time in Paris has been successful in terms of silverware four Ligue 1 titles, multiple domestic cups, and, in the most recent season, a historic haul that included the Champions League, the Coupe de France, the Ligue 1 crown, and the Trophée des Champions. Yet, despite these achievements, his tenure has also been marked by occasional criticism over decision-making and high-profile errors, and there have been persistent rumours of tension with the club’s hierarchy.

The potential move to Manchester would represent both a fresh start and a significant statement from City, whose transfer dealings have increasingly focused on sustaining success rather than rebuilding from scratch. For PSG, the sale could help balance their books and reinvest in other areas, particularly with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play and squad cost ratio rules becoming stricter.

Chelsea, once linked heavily with Donnarumma, have now dropped out of the race, according to Romano, leaving City as the most viable destination should Ederson’s departure materialise. While much depends on Galatasaray’s ability to finalise a deal for the Brazilian, the situation is developing quickly, and a domino effect in the goalkeeper market could unfold in the coming weeks.

If completed, the transfer would not only reshape the goalkeeping situation at two of Europe’s biggest clubs but could also set the tone for a summer window where elite goalkeepers play starring roles in the market. With Donnarumma entering what many consider the peak years for a keeper, and City seeking to maintain their competitive edge in all competitions, this could be one of the defining moves of the 2025 transfer season.