Manchester City make deadline day swoop for Donnarumma in record goalkeeping shake-up

Manchester City are on the brink of completing the surprise signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Italy international set to replace Ederson, who is bound for Fenerbahce before tonight’s transfer deadline.

The deal

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that City have struck an agreement with PSG for Donnarumma, who will sign a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The 25-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical this afternoon before being officially unveiled.

The move comes just hours after City sanctioned Ederson’s departure to Turkish giants Fenerbahce for €14m (£12m/$16m).

The Brazilian’s agent Jorge Mendes has finalised terms with Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek, ending Ederson’s seven-year spell as Guardiola’s number one.

Donnarumma had entered the final year of his PSG contract and openly expressed his desire to leave after being frozen out under Luis Enrique, who installed Lucas Chevalier as his new first-choice keeper earlier this summer.

Guardiola’s goalkeeper dilemma

While Donnarumma arrives with a stellar reputation — he was Euro 2020’s Player of the Tournament and is considered one of Europe’s best shot-stoppers — questions have already been raised about whether he fits Guardiola’s tactical demands.

French football expert Julien Laurens told reporters:

“On saves, him and Thibaut Courtois — there are no goalkeepers better. But with Pep Guardiola, it’s not just about saves. His distribution is not good enough, and he doesn’t like coming for crosses. In the Premier League, you have to be brave. I cannot see how Guardiola thinks he is the perfect guy.”

Guardiola has consistently demanded that his goalkeepers act as an extra outfield player, with Ederson setting the benchmark for ball-playing keepers in world football. Donnarumma’s passing ability and reluctance to command his area could pose problems in a system built around dominance and control.

Neville: “City defence now puts pressure on attack”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes City’s defensive structure is already under strain, and a goalkeeper not fully comfortable in Guardiola’s set-up could exacerbate the issue.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast after City’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton, Neville said:

“When City were 1-0 up two or three years ago, you could almost write the game off. That’s not this City anymore. They’re giving teams encouragement and that puts pressure on the midfield and forwards to score two and three.”

What next?

Donnarumma could make his debut in the Manchester Derby against United on September 14, after the international break.

His shot-stopping ability is not in doubt — but whether he can adapt to the technical and tactical demands of Guardiola’s system may determine whether this is a masterstroke or a rare misstep in City’s recruitment.