Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City was one of the defining transfers of the recent summer window, not just because of the reputation he carried with him, but because of what it signalled about the club’s continued pull under Pep Guardiola.
For a goalkeeper who had already conquered Europe and dominated domestically in France, the decision to relocate to England was not taken lightly.
Yet, as Donnarumma has now explained, the reputation City have built both on and off the pitch played a decisive role in shaping his future.
The Italian goalkeeper arrived at the Etihad Stadium on deadline day for a reported £26 million, completing a deal overseen by City’s sporting director Hugo Viana.
It marked the end of a hugely successful chapter at Paris Saint-Germain, where Donnarumma had collected multiple Ligue 1 titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League.
At 26, he was already regarded as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of his generation, but Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City was driven by a desire to push himself further rather than to protect past achievements.
Since settling into life in the Premier League, Donnarumma has shown few signs of needing an adjustment period. He has established himself as City’s first-choice goalkeeper, overtaking fellow summer arrival James Trafford, and has been a consistent presence in Guardiola’s side.
Eight clean sheets from 18 league matches underline his impact domestically, while his performances in Europe have also contributed to City’s continued competitiveness on the continental stage.
By the end of 2025, individual recognition followed. Donnarumma was awarded the Yashin Trophy and FIFA’s ‘The Best’ Goalkeeper award, two of the highest honours available to a player in his position.
Speaking to Manchester City’s official media channels, Donnarumma made it clear that the Premier League was central to his decision.
The intensity, pace and global appeal of English football have long attracted elite players, and the goalkeeper believes the league has helped elevate his game even further.
“It’s the best league in the world. When you watch from the outside the games are just fantastic, it’s beautiful to watch and to play in it – even more beautiful.
“Being here, being at City, being in the Premier League – I’m at the top at this moment in my career.”
Those words reflect not only satisfaction with his performances, but also a sense of fulfilment that comes from competing at the highest possible level week after week.
For goalkeepers in particular, the Premier League presents unique challenges: relentless pressing, physical forwards and an unforgiving spotlight. Although Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City comes with a new challenge, he has embraced those demands, seeing them as an opportunity rather than a risk.
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Guardiola’s influence has also been significant. City’s style of play places heavy responsibility on the goalkeeper, requiring composure with the ball, sharp decision-making and an understanding of space that goes beyond traditional shot-stopping.
Donnarumma’s ability to adapt to those requirements has been one of the standout aspects of his early months in Manchester.
Yet, while tactics and trophies matter, Donnarumma insists that the human side of the club was just as important in persuading him to choose City over other interested teams.
Long before the contract was signed, he says, the message he received about the club’s culture was consistently positive.
“I wanted to come here because everyone spoke well of Manchester City and the truth is that I’ve found a great family and I am very, very happy to be here,” he said.
“There’s a real family environment and I’m really happy. I felt a strong interest and it flattered me. To be wanted so much by City and by a top coach like Pep Guardiola is just a source of pride. I am really happy and proud to be part of the City group and this big family.”
In those comments, Donnarumma highlighted something that is often overlooked in high-profile transfers. Beyond wages and honours, players want to feel valued and supported. For a goalkeeper stepping into a new country and a new league, that sense of belonging can be decisive.
