Sources: Donnarumma’s City Move Hinges on Ederson’s Future

Manchester City faces a potential goalkeeping Transfer Tussle as transfer deadline day unfolds. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s possible move to the Etihad Stadium hinges on Ederson’s transfer to Fenerbahce. The Premier League champions are navigating a complex situation, potentially reshaping their squad before the window closes on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Key Players and Clubs Involved

Several key individuals and clubs are at the heart of this transfer narrative. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old Italian international currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is the target for Manchester City. Ederson, the 32-year-old Brazilian international and Manchester City’s long-standing number one, is potentially heading to Fenerbahce. These potential transfers involve Manchester City, PSG, and Fenerbahce, with their respective managers and directors playing crucial roles.

The Central Figures

• Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian goalkeeper is at the center of this possible transfer. PSG may be willing to let him go due to a change in goalkeeping philosophy.
• Ederson: Manchester City’s current goalkeeper who may be on his way to Fenerbahce.
• Pep Guardiola: The Manchester City manager is overseeing the changes and making key decisions.
• Fabrizio Romano: The transfer insider has confirmed agreements, providing updates on the situation.

Supporting Roles

• Jorge Mendes: Ederson’s agent, working to finalize the move to Fenerbahce.
• Devin Ozek: Fenerbahce director, involved in the negotiations for Ederson.
• Luis Enrique: PSG’s manager, seeking a different goalkeeping profile, leading to Donnarumma’s potential departure.

The Timeline of Events

The transfer saga has unfolded rapidly as transfer deadline day approaches. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

• August 31 – September 1, 2025: Reports emerge of Ederson’s agreement with Fenerbahce.
• Transfer Deadline Day (September 1, 2025): Donnarumma is expected to undergo a medical in Italy before finalizing his move to Manchester City.
• Earlier this summer: Pep Guardiola acknowledges the possibility of Ederson’s departure.

Financial Details of the Transfers

The financial aspects of these transfers are significant. Manchester City has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Fenerbahce for Ederson’s transfer, with a fee estimated between €13 million and €14 million. This agreement has paved the way for Manchester City to finalize the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG for a fee reported to be in the region of €30 million to €35 million.

Reasons Behind the Potential Transfers

Several factors have contributed to these potential transfers. Ederson’s future at Manchester City has been uncertain, despite having two years left on his contract. He had been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and Turkish clubs, and Guardiola conceded his future was unknown. According to reports, Ederson also saw his starting place briefly taken by Stefan Ortega last season and James Trafford in the early part of this season.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Donnarumma stems from their need for a world-class replacement if Ederson were to leave. For PSG, Donnarumma’s departure is reportedly due to a shift in their goalkeeping philosophy, with manager Luis Enrique seeking a “different goalkeeping profile” with better footwork, leading to the signing of Lucas Chevalier. Donnarumma’s contract situation and a potential wage reduction at PSG also played a role in his willingness to move.

Impact of the Goalkeeping Shake-Up

End of an Era, New Beginnings

Ederson’s departure marks the end of an era at Manchester City, where he made 372 appearances and kept 168 clean sheets, significantly influencing Guardiola’s build-up play with his exceptional footwork. Donnarumma’s arrival will bring a new dynamic to City’s squad. While he is a highly-rated shot-stopper, some experts, like French football expert Julien Laurens, have questioned his suitability for Guardiola’s system due to concerns about his footwork and distribution.

Squad Dynamics and Champions League Implications

This double move will necessitate a period of adjustment for Manchester City and could impact their Champions League squad registration, as they may still have too many non-homegrown players. The transfers also signify PSG’s new policy of signing younger players on lower base wages.

The Big Picture

The potential transfers of Ederson and Donnarumma represent a significant shift in the goalkeeping landscape for both Manchester City and PSG. Ederson’s departure concludes a successful chapter, while Donnarumma’s arrival introduces uncertainty and potential adaptation challenges. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the agreements are in place, but the finalization depends on medical evaluations and paperwork. The impact on Manchester City’s squad dynamics and Champions League aspirations remains to be seen, highlighting the complexities of transfer deadline day decisions.