Man City Secures £26 Million Deal for Gianluigi Donnarumma as New No. 1 Goalkeeper, Succeeding James Trafford

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA is set to be officially presented as Manchester City’s new first-choice goalkeeper tomorrow following the completion of a £26 million transfer.

The Italian international, who is now 26 years old, has been on the lookout for a new club since leaving PSG in August, where he was instrumental in their Champions League victory last season.

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City’s pursuit of Donnarumma was spurred by Ederson’s decision to leave the club.

Fenerbahce has secured a £12 million deal for the Brazilian goalkeeper, who is currently en route to Turkey to finalize his transfer.

Donnarumma, now with the national team, is prepared to undergo a medical examination and finalize his contract.

Club representatives have confirmed that all matters were settled before the deadline, with a formal announcement anticipated soon.

The Italian shot-stopper has signed a five-year contract, binding him to City until 2030, with an option for an additional year.

Guardiola’s trusted associate Luis Enrique, who shares a similar football philosophy with the City manager, took charge at the French club this summer.

Enrique is recognized for his limitations in ball distribution, a crucial aspect of Pep’s tactical strategy, making this transition surprising to many analysts.

Nonetheless, he is widely considered to be an outstanding shot-stopper and is expected to take over from James Trafford, who has started for City in the early part of the season.

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Ederson stated during the Club World Cup this summer that he planned to fulfill the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

However, his family expressed interest in moving to Saudi Arabia last summer, seeking a new beginning after eight years in the North West.

Man City defender Akanji has joined Inter Milan on loan.

Ederson leaves after playing an integral role in City’s six Premier League titles during his eight-year tenure, including the remarkable treble achieved two seasons ago.

His backup, Stefan Ortega, sought to leave City as well, but no deals materialized before the deadline.

Additionally, another member of City’s treble-winning defense, Manuel Akanji, has been sent to Inter on loan.

The Italians will pay an upfront fee of £870,000 with a potential £12.5 million permanent transfer in the summer.

Also, former captain Ilkay Gundogan has transferred to Galatasaray.

The seasoned midfielder, aged 34, has not yet received any playing time for City this season.

Defender Issa Kabore has also left the Etihad, joining Championship newcomers Wrexham on a season-long loan.