Gianluigi Donnarumma Officially Joins Manchester City: The End of Ederson’s Era at the Etihad

Big news from the summer 2025 transfer window. Gianluigi Donnarumma has officially left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and joined Manchester City. This transfer is one of the biggest surprises in Europe, as Gianluigi Donnarumma has long been touted as an irreplaceable goalkeeper for PSG. However, a less harmonious relationship with the club’s management and City’s need for a new goalkeeper made this move a reality (Aftonbladet, September 1, 2025). Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival also marks the end of Ederson’s era, who has been an important part of City’s successful journey for almost eight years.

Details of the City-PSG Agreement

Gianluigi Donnarumma has long been under the spotlight since joining PSG in 2021. Despite appearing as the main goalkeeper for the Italian national team, at the club he was often in an unstable situation, especially due to internal competition and changes in coaching tactics. Gianluigi Donnarumma felt his role was no longer as important as before. On the other hand, Manchester City was indeed looking for regeneration in the goalkeeper position. Ederson, although still at a high level, began to be hampered by injuries and a decline in consistency. This paved the way for rumors of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move (FourFourTwo, August 15, 2025). Media such as The Guardian also highlighted the intensity of City’s negotiations with PSG until the last moments of the transfer window (The Guardian, September 1, 2025).

Manchester City paid around €35 million to PSG to get Gianluigi Donnarumma’s signature. The goalkeeper signed a long-term contract binding him until 2030. On the other hand, Ederson was officially released to Fenerbahçe for €14 million, which was a direct consequence of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival (The Guardian, September 1, 2025). This decision allowed City to maintain their financial balance. For PSG, the sale of Gianluigi Donnarumma was surprising to fans, but was considered a realistic step after the player stated his intention to leave.

Mixed Reactions to Donnarumma’s Transfer

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival was warmly welcomed by Manchester City fans. Many believe that Gianluigi Donnarumma will be a reliable goalkeeper in the long term, given he is only 26 years old. On social media, Gianluigi Donnarumma immediately became a trending topic (Aftonbladet, September 1, 2025). Conversely, PSG fans expressed disappointment. They felt they had lost one of their star players who had played a significant role in the club’s domestic success. English media rated City’s move to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma as a smart strategy, while French media saw it as PSG’s failure to keep their best asset (FourFourTwo, August 15, 2025).

Shot-Stopper vs Ball-Player: The Difference in Style Between Donnarumma and Ederson

In terms of playing style, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Ederson have striking differences. Ederson is known as a goalkeeper who is good at playing the ball with his feet, often even functioning as a “sweeper keeper” in Pep Guardiola’s system. Conversely, Gianluigi Donnarumma is a traditional goalkeeper with extraordinary shot-stopping ability. Quick reflexes, a 196 cm stature, and bravery in one-on-one duels are Gianluigi Donnarumma’s main weapons. Although not as skillful as Ederson in ball distribution, Guardiola is believed to be able to hone that aspect (The Guardian, September 1, 2025). With Gianluigi Donnarumma between the posts, City will be more solid in facing opponents who rely on fast counter-attacks.

Who Will Replace Donnarumma? Paris Saint-Germain’s New Dilemma

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure clearly leaves a big hole in PSG’s defense. The Parisian club must now find a worthy replacement. Keylor Navas’s name was mentioned, but he is no longer young. Other rumors suggest PSG is targeting a young European goalkeeper to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma (Aftonbladet, September 1, 2025). For PSG, losing Gianluigi Donnarumma could impact their Champions League ambitions, especially since their defensive sector is often a weak point. PSG fans hope the club will soon bring in a new figure who can provide a sense of security like Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City Stronger: Donnarumma Becomes the Foundation for the Champions League Hunt

With Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival, Manchester City is getting stronger in defense. Their main targets this season are clearly to defend the Premier League title and once again hunt for the Champions League trophy. Guardiola believes Gianluigi Donnarumma can provide extra confidence to the defense (The Guardian, September 1, 2025). City’s defenders, such as Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, now have a goalkeeper who can make crucial saves in difficult moments. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s presence also provides a psychological boost, as City now has a goalkeeper considered one of the best in the world.

Donnarumma Becomes a Hot Topic of Debate

Public comments regarding Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer are very diverse. City fans are optimistic, with some even calling Gianluigi Donnarumma the “perfect successor to Ederson” (FourFourTwo, August 15, 2025). English media highlighted how City once again showed their financial strength by bringing in a world-class player. In France, some media considered PSG to be not serious about retaining an important asset. Gianluigi Donnarumma is now a topic of discussion in various football forums.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer to Manchester City marks the end of Ederson’s era and opens a new chapter at the Etihad. Gianluigi Donnarumma brings a combination of experience, quality, and a golden age that could make him a long-term key player. For PSG, losing Gianluigi Donnarumma is a heavy blow, while for City, this is a golden opportunity to further strengthen their squad (Aftonbladet, September 1, 2025). If Gianluigi Donnarumma can quickly adapt to Guardiola’s playing style, then City may further dominate English and European football.