Gianluigi Donnarumma has enjoyed a world-class career since joining Paris Saint-Germain in a sensational and high-profile switch from AC Milan.
The Italian has made good on his promise as a teenage prospect, developing into one of the most decorated and respected goalkeepers in the world. At 26 years old, he helped lead PSG to the club’s first Champions League title and a spot amongst the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees.
Yet all that has come crashing down this summer, with the club moving for a potential replacement before moving to exclude Donnarumma from their future plans.
The Sporting News explains why Gianluigi Donnarumma is likely to leave PSG just months after lifting the European title, and where he could go next.
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Donnarumma latest transfer news, rumours amidst PSG exit
PSG have taken a hard-line stance on the standoff with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and it appears the Italian is likely headed for an exit from the French club.
Donnarumma was left off PSG’s squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham, which pits last season’s Champions League winners against the concurrent Europa League holders.
After spending €40 million on the capture of Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier this summer, reports claim that the club sees their new signing as the No. 1 for the coming season, leaving Donnarumma on the outside looking in.
While some reports indicate that Donnarumma could stay and fight for his starting place, his exclusion from the Super Cup squad is a bold statement by PSG that they no longer wish to include him in their plans for the coming campaign, and a sale now is preferable to his departure for free next summer.
It appears that his time at PSG is at the very least limited, if not outright over.
Why has Donnarumma turned down a new PSG contract?
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s current PSG contract expires next summer, and thus, a new deal was offered to the Italian to extend his stay in the French capital.
According to tabloid reporting, part of PSG’s proposal to Donnarumma was a reduced salary, down to somewhere between €8-9 million per season, which is a drop from his current €10 million salary. Because of this, it appears by more concrete reporting that negotiations never reached the stage of a formal contract offer.
Such a reduction can easily be interpreted by a player as a slap in the face, especially as Donnarumma has been not only essential to PSG’s recent success but also a player at 26 years old who is in the prime of his career and not declined in performance level. If anything, Donnarumma is a favourite to win the Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper in the world, and was the only goalkeeper amongst the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Given his recent world-class level of performance, it’s easy to see why Donnarumma would view a new contract offer with a reduced salary as a clear attempt to push them out the door, and by rejecting the deal, the Italian indeed seems to be taking the hint.
What clubs could Donnarumma transfer to?
Because of his situation at PSG, Donnarumma’s transfer value is surprisingly low for such a highly touted goalkeeper of his talent level and decoration.
Reports indicate that Donnarumma could be had for just €30 million ($34.9m / £26m), thanks to the lone year left on his contract and PSG’s clear desire to sell, factors which see the club with little leverage to negotiate a higher deal. PSG will be motivated to sell, knowing that if they do not find an acceptable offer, they could be stuck with Donnarumma’s wages for an additional year before he leaves on a free transfer.
However, the wages present a significant stumbling block for many clubs. Reports seem to indicate that while the club may have offered a wage reduction, Donnarumma is looking to increase his salary from €10 million per season to €12 million, which could eliminate a number of clubs from contention.
The most commonly mentioned destination seems to be Manchester United, who have been quite active in their search for a new goalkeeper thanks to the struggles of Andre Onana in his time at Old Trafford. Yet the club’s finances continue to be a point of contention, and with the Red Devils still yet to conduct any kind of outgoing business to offset the significant cost of incoming deals for Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, there is clearly a gap to be bridged for Donnarumma to find a home at the Premier League club. Plus, their lack of European football this season would take some convincing for a top player at his position to join.
Maybe the most sensible destination for Donnarumma could be Bayern Munich, who are also in need of a goalkeeper and have the financial space to strike a deal. The German giants are still riding the end of Manuel Neuer’s career, but Neuer has declined at 39 years old and also sees his contract expiring next summer. This could be a prime opportunity for Bayern to find a world-class replacement for their longtime legend, with few palatable options currently in the squad.
Another player in the mix could be Galatasaray, who have been uncharacteristically active in the transfer market this summer. The Turkish club has already paid top dollar to bring Victor Osimhen aboard, while also adding Leroy Sane on a free transfer. It’s not well known what their maximum spending power is, but this could be a chance to add a superstar for a lower-than-usual figure.
Also looming would be clubs in Saudi Arabia, knowing their ability to make big-money moves in the transfer market. Al Hilal are set at goalkeeper with Yassine Bounou, but Al Nassr could justify a move if they wish to upgrade on Bento or Nawaf Al-Aqidi, and Al Ittihad could also argue they possess a need at the position.
Unless Bayern Munich or Manchester United make a move soon, it’s likely that the door will be open for other players to enter the conversation. Many of the top Premier League clubs are settled at the goalkeeper position, but it could be hard for transfer-happy sides like Chelsea or Newcastle to keep from inquiring given the lower financial bar.
According to French publication RMC Sport, Man United and Chelsea are “eyeing” Donnarumma, although that phrase ultimately means little in concrete terms.
