Paris Saint-Germain’s decision to let Gianluigi Donnarumma join Manchester City on the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window has shaken French football. Was it a bold tactical move in line with Luis Enrique’s philosophy, or a short-sighted mistake that could haunt the Parisian giants for years to come?
The departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City sent shockwaves across European football. At 26, the Italian goalkeeper was fresh off leading PSG to their first-ever Champions League title in 2024/25, producing match-winning saves against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. For many, he was the immovable “wall” at Parc des Princes—yet in a dramatic twist, he is now Pep Guardiola’s latest weapon at the Etihad.
Just months ago, Donnarumma was considered untouchable. He was the youngest goalkeeper to debut in Serie A at 16, the hero of Euro 2020, and consistently ranked among the world’s best. His departure stunned PSG supporters and reignited debates over Luis Enrique’s long-term vision for the club.
From Hero to Outcast
The tension began in August 2025, when Luis Enrique excluded Donnarumma from PSG’s UEFA Super Cup squad against Tottenham. Instead, the Spanish coach entrusted the goal to Lucas Chevalier, a €40 million signing from Lille (plus €15 million in add-ons). Enrique wanted a ball-playing goalkeeper to fit his possession-based system, but dropping Donnarumma so abruptly raised serious doubts. Was tactical philosophy really worth discarding one of the world’s top shot-stoppers?
Former Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam was scathing in his criticism:
“PSG disrespected one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Letting him go just because he doesn’t perfectly fit a system is shortsighted. Donnarumma represents stability and world-class quality.”
Goalkeeping expert Matt Pyzdrowski echoed the sentiment, arguing that while Donnarumma may not be as polished with his feet as Ederson or Alisson, his reflexes and shot-stopping are unmatched. “At 26, he still has a decade to refine his distribution. PSG’s decision to cut ties now feels like a reckless gamble.”
A Bright Start at Manchester City
Adding salt to PSG’s wound, Donnarumma’s debut at Manchester City could hardly have gone better. In a high-stakes Manchester derby, he produced a string of saves to keep a clean sheet and secure victory for Guardiola’s side. His calm presence, towering physique, and clutch performances immediately endeared him to the Etihad faithful.
And the numbers only intensify PSG fans’ frustration. Man City secured Donnarumma for around €27 million—widely seen as a bargain for a player of his caliber—while PSG splashed €40 million on Chevalier. Donnarumma also signed a five-year contract worth €15 million annually, rising to €17 million in its later years, showing just how highly City valued him.
Will PSG Regret It?
History has not been kind to PSG’s transfer decisions. Letting academy products like Christopher Nkunku and Moussa Diaby leave only to see them flourish elsewhere remains a sore memory. Now, Donnarumma’s resurgence at City risks becoming another embarrassing chapter.
Luis Enrique has defended his choice:
“I take full responsibility for this decision. We need a goalkeeper who matches the philosophy of our game.”
Yet PSG’s 0-3 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, coupled with Chevalier’s early struggles under intense pressure, has already cast doubt on the coach’s judgment.
More Than a Transfer – A Question of Identity
Beyond the short-term debate, Donnarumma’s exit raises deeper questions about PSG’s identity. Are they truly building a coherent footballing project, or are they simply chasing trends without a clear philosophy? By replacing a proven world-class goalkeeper with a younger, untested option, PSG appear to be gambling with their ambitions.
Meanwhile, Donnarumma has embraced his new challenge. As Italy’s captain, he is preparing to lead the Azzurri through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers while simultaneously anchoring Guardiola’s defensive setup at City. Should his performances remain at this elite level, PSG’s decision to let him walk away could go down as one of their gravest mistakes.
In football, talent lost is rarely forgiven. And for PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma may well become the painful reminder of what happens when loyalty and stability are sacrificed in pursuit of philosophy.