Why PSG Are Letting Gianluigi Donnarumma Leave Amid Manchester United Transfer Links

Paris Saint-Germain’s decision to move on from Gianluigi Donnarumma has shocked many in the football world, especially given the Italian goalkeeper’s role in securing the club’s long-awaited Champions League crown. Just last season, the 26-year-old produced a series of world-class performances, including a match-winning display against Arsenal in the semi-final second leg, that reminded everyone why he was once considered the future of goalkeeping.

Yet, despite his heroics, Donnarumma’s future at the Parc des Princes looks increasingly uncertain. With only a year left on his current contract, PSG have reportedly decided that the towering shot-stopper is surplus to requirements. According to talkSPORT’s Anil Kandola, Donnarumma has set his heart on a move to Manchester United, although Chelsea and Inter Milan are also keeping a close watch on the situation.

The turning point appears to have been PSG’s pursuit of Lille’s Lucas Chevalier. The 23-year-old French goalkeeper has already passed his medical and is expected to sign imminently. His arrival signals a change in philosophy under Luis Enrique, who prefers a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet — the modern “sweeper-keeper” role. Chevalier’s skill set fits this model perfectly, while Donnarumma’s strengths remain rooted in traditional shot-stopping.

This stylistic difference is key. While no one questions Donnarumma’s reflexes or his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches, Enrique wants a first-choice keeper who can actively participate in PSG’s build-up play. Chevalier offers that, while Donnarumma is seen as less suited to the tactical demands of the current project.

Another factor pushing Donnarumma towards the exit door is the club’s reluctance to maintain two elite goalkeepers on their payroll. Sources suggest PSG are not prepared to rotate their No.1 throughout the season, which means one of them will inevitably be benched. Given the investment in Chevalier and the shift in tactical approach, the writing is on the wall for Donnarumma.

Contract negotiations only widened the gap between player and club. While Donnarumma was initially open to extending his stay, he reportedly demanded a significant wage increase — one that would have placed him among PSG’s highest earners. Currently on £213,292 per week, the Italian sought a deal with a higher base salary, while the club countered with a lower guaranteed wage but performance-based bonuses. The proposal was rejected, and talks broke down.

From PSG’s perspective, there was little point in committing to such high wages for a player who might not fit the manager’s system. For Donnarumma, however, the situation presents a crossroads in his career. Reduced playing time could harm his preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Italy — currently struggling in qualification — will need their No.1 goalkeeper in peak condition.

This is where Manchester United enter the picture. With André Onana’s future at Old Trafford uncertain, Donnarumma’s availability at an asking price of around £26 million makes him an attractive proposition. United manager Ruben Amorim is believed to be keen on reinforcing his squad with a proven, world-class goalkeeper, and the Italian’s Champions League-winning experience makes him a tempting option.

Chelsea and Inter Milan also see an opportunity. Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild would benefit from a commanding presence like Donnarumma in goal, while Inter could view him as a natural successor to Yann Sommer in the long term. Still, United remain favourites, partly due to the player’s reported preference for a move to the Premier League and the lure of playing at the Theatre of Dreams.

The transfer saga is now one to watch closely in the coming weeks. PSG’s stance is clear: they are ready to part ways with Donnarumma if a suitable bid arrives. For United fans, this could be the club’s chance to secure a goalkeeper who, despite recent setbacks in Paris, still possesses the talent, experience, and mentality to dominate between the posts for years to come.

If the deal goes through, it would not just mark a fresh chapter for Donnarumma, but also a significant statement of intent from Manchester United — a move signalling that they are ready to challenge at the highes