A Thunderous Goalkeeper Twist: Donnarumma Arrives as Ederson Departs

 Manchester City have turned the goalkeeping world upside down in a breathtaking transfer exchange that has left fans gasping.

Donnarumma Arrives as Ederson Departs

Donnarumma’s Dramatic Arrival

On 2 September 2025, Manchester City officially confirmed the signing of 26-year-old Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. He has penned a five-year deal, with the option to extend to six, and will don the No 25 shirt at the Etihad Stadium.

While some reports place the fee at £26 million, others suggest a figure closer to €35 million (£30 million). Donnarumma, fresh from a Champions League triumph with PSG, now joins a star-studded City squad under the legendary stewardship of Pep Guardiola. The Italian has declared it “a special and proud moment” to join “a squad packed with world-class talent and  one of the greatest managers in the history of football”.

Known for his commanding presence and fierce shot-stopping, Donnarumma represents a shift toward a more traditional, authoritative figure between the sticks. However, acknowledging Guardiola’s demands for ball-play from his goalkeeper, Donnarumma openly stated he will “improve” to fit the City style.

Ederson’s Emotional Farewell

Just hours earlier, City had sealed the exit of Ederson, the Brazilian shot-stopper whose eight-year reign between the posts came to a poignant close. He has joined Fenerbahçe for approximately £12 million, signing off an illustrious chapter at City.

The 32-year-old leaves as arguably the most decorated goalkeeper in Premier League history. Since arriving from Benfica in 2017, Ederson amassed 372 appearances, six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a staggering total of 18 major honours. He also kept 122 Premier League clean sheets, earned three consecutive Golden Glove awards, and revolutionised the role with his sweeping and distribution skills.

In a heartfelt farewell, Ederson expressed gratitude to the fans, his teammates, and Pep Guardiola, promising he will “always be a Blue”.

The Transfer Chess Moves

The transfers were intricately connected—Donnarumma’s arrival was contingent on Ederson’s departure. City’s front office ensured they had a top-class replacement lined up before allowing Ederson to leave.

Why It Matters

This swap marks more than just a change at the back—it signals a tactical evolution for City. Guardiola’s shift from a ball-playing shot-stopper like Ederson to a more commanding and stabilising presence in Donnarumma suggests a recalibration of defensive priorities.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe have secured a world-class goalkeeper whose experience and pedigree will significantly boost their ambitions.

This dramatic deadline-day exchange has reshaped Manchester City’s defensive landscape and closed the story on Ederson’s golden era. Donnarumma now carries the weighty expectation of stepping into those giant gloves with both authority and grace.