Manchester City strengthened their already formidable squad in the summer transfer window with the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of Europe’s most highly regarded goalkeepers. The Italian international, who had been a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain in recent seasons, made the surprise move to the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth around £26 million.
The transfer raised eyebrows across Europe, not least because Donnarumma had just played a crucial role in PSG’s run to the UEFA Champions League title last season. His commanding presence in goal and a string of world-class saves helped the French champions finally lift the prestigious trophy, overcoming Inter Milan in the final.
To many fans and analysts, his departure looked inexplicable. Yet, behind the shock sale lies a more calculated decision from PSG. While speculation swirled about tactical reasons and manager Luis Enrique’s preferences, the club’s sporting director Luis Campos has finally given clarity.
His explanation sheds light on why PSG sold Donnarumma, a move that has now become one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer.
Donnarumma left due to lack of agreement over his contract – Campos explains
The saga began when Donnarumma entered the final year of his contract at PSG. The club initiated talks early, seeking to extend his deal and secure their star goalkeeper for the long term. However, negotiations quickly reached an impasse.
“Donnarumma was one of the first players we approached about renewing his contract,” Campos told French outlet RMC Sport. “But we quickly realised it would be difficult due to his demands, and the club is more important than any one player.”
According to Campos, the Italian’s demands were based on PSG’s previous salary structure – a structure the club has been actively reshaping to move away from the high wages and expensive contracts that defined the era of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé.
Reports suggest Donnarumma’s camp was pushing for a significant pay rise, arguing that his role in the Champions League triumph placed him among the world’s elite goalkeepers. PSG, on the other hand, were unwilling to break their new wage policy, particularly as the 26-year-old could potentially leave for free in 2026 if an agreement wasn’t reached.
Faced with this dilemma, Campos and the PSG hierarchy decided it was better to cash in now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the future. Therefore, the situation wasn’t about Donnarumma’s talent – which PSG openly recognised – but about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the club.
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For weeks, the football world speculated whether Donnarumma’s departure was tied to Enrique’s tactical reshuffle. Some pundits claimed the manager wanted a goalkeeper more suited to playing out from the back, while others pointed to dressing-room dynamics.
But Campos’ revelation makes it clear: the central reason why PSG sold Donnarumma was contract disagreement and financial demands.
Donnarumma,makes instant impact at Manchester City
Manchester City wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to bring the experienced goalkeeper to Manchester. Pep Guardiola, known for his meticulous squad building, had long admired Donnarumma’s shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box.
City moved quickly, agreeing to pay £26 million for the goalkeeper – a fee many analysts described as a bargain given Donnarumma’s age and pedigree.
Finally, the deal was completed just days before the close of the transfer window, and the Italian wasted no time in making his mark at the Etihad. In his debut, a high-profile Manchester derby against United, Donnarumma replaced Trafford between the posts.
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The Italian immediately looked at home, marshalling City’s defence and dealing confidently with aerial threats. He pulled off a vital save to deny Bryan Mbeumo, a moment that underscored his quality and reassured Guardiola that the club had made the right call.
City cruised to a 3-0 victory, and his teammates and fans commended his impact in the crucial match. A few days after, he displayed another top performance on the biggest stage – in the UEFA Champions League against Napoli. Donnarumma made some unbelievable saves to keep City in the game. His efforts were later rewarded with a clean sheet and three points for his team.
