Manchester City’s summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has wasted no time in making his presence felt at the Etihad.
The Italian goalkeeper, who completed a move from Paris Saint-Germain after becoming surplus to requirements in France, has already reached out to star striker Erling Haaland.
The pair prepare for one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season – the Manchester Derby.
The 26-year-old was signed by Pep Guardiola to replace long-serving Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson Moraes, who left the club this summer after eight years of glittering success.
City fans have been eager to see how Donnarumma and Erling Haaland including other team members can quickly forge chemistry ahead of the busy schedule.
The goalkeeper, however, has already shown signs of settling in, using social media to send a direct message to Haaland, the club’s prolific forward.
Donnarumma sends message to Erling Haaland on social media
Although Donnarumma only arrived at City days before the international break, he has not had the opportunity to fully train with the squad. That did not stop him from making an early effort to connect with his new colleagues, particularly Haaland.
Haaland welcomed the former PSG goalkeeper with a post on social media, uploading a picture of the two embracing with the caption: “welcome Gigio.”
In response, Donnarumma expressed his delight at finally sharing a dressing room with the Norwegian striker.
Sharing the same post on his own Instagram account, the Italian wrote: “We will finally play together brother @Erling.”
Those seven words carried weight among City fans who are eager to see two of Europe’s biggest names join forces.
The message also hinted at the unity Guardiola is keen to foster as the team aims to fight for the Premier League crown and mount another deep run in the Champions League.
For Donnarumma, it is also a chance to reset his career after a difficult spell in Paris, where he often found himself competing with Keylor Navas and facing criticism from sections of the French media.
Donnarumma and James Trafford in race for No.1 spot
While the warm exchange between Donnarumma and Haaland has generated excitement, the Italian knows he must win his place on merit.
At present, City have four goalkeepers on their books, but the real battle for the starting XI is between Donnarumma and James Trafford.
Trafford, a 22-year-old academy graduate, has started all of City’s Premier League games so far this season.
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His performances have been steady, showing glimpses of promise, but Guardiola’s decision to invest in Donnarumma signals that the Italian could soon be elevated to first-choice status.
With his vast experience, Donnarumma offers proven pedigree on the biggest stage – something Guardiola values heading into decisive matches.
