By Boluwatife Kehinde
Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has completed a move to Manchester City, with Brazilian shot-stopper Éderson heading to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
The deal was finalised on Monday, but City waited until Tuesday morning to make the announcement.
According to reports, the Premier League champions paid PSG £26 million ($35 million) for Donnarumma, who signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium running until 2030, with an option to extend by a further season.
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At City, Donnarumma will immediately face competition for the No. 1 shirt from 22-year-old James Trafford, who returned from Burnley earlier this summer.
Trafford started City’s opening three Premier League matches but came under criticism following their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, raising questions about whether Donnarumma will soon be installed as first choice.
The 26-year-old Italian’s career has been remarkable. A teenage prodigy at AC Milan, he made his debut at just 16 and quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young goalkeepers.
During six years at San Siro, he amassed 251 appearances and 88 clean sheets, helping Milan secure a return to the Champions League.
His composure, maturity and consistency paved the way for a move to PSG in 2021.
In Paris, Donnarumma continued his rise, making over 160 appearances and keeping 56 clean sheets, including 11 in the Champions League.
His commanding presence and agility under pressure proved vital to PSG’s domestic dominance, while his European performances cemented his reputation as a world-class goalkeeper.
Internationally, Donnarumma has earned more than 60 caps for Italy, with 25 clean sheets. His career-defining moment came at Euro 2020, when his penalty heroics in the final against England earned him the Player of the Tournament award and delivered continental glory for Italy.
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Now joining Pep Guardiola’s side, Donnarumma arrives at City in his prime, combining vast experience with youth.
His signing not only strengthens City’s title defence but also marks a new chapter in the career of one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
