Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old goalkeeper who joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 on a contract until 2026 (following the end of his contract with AC Milan), is at the center of rumors. His contract extension has not been finalized, and there is talk of him leaving, with Lucas Chevalier (23, Lille and French national team) having signed to replace him. Le Parisien provides an update on his complicated situation this Monday morning.
“Those close to the Italian goalkeeper continue to spread the idea that he may stay until the end of his contract, which is also a way of keeping control and sending the message that he will not leave so easily. The challenge, initially, is to find the right club for him to continue his progress at a time in his career when he is undoubtedly at his strongest.
The Premier League—where Manchester United and City are among the candidates—appears to be a plausible destination. The Saudi market is also likely to meet his salary requirements.
Paris, which was keen to sign Chevalier for the new season, would ideally like the situation not to drag on. To avoid a crisis, it should have no choice but to facilitate Donnarumma’s departure, perhaps by demanding a lower transfer fee than it would normally have received.”
Ultimately, it is the uncertainty surrounding Donnarumma that is the biggest issue. It must be said that there is a lack of concrete information to be certain. He and his agent have repeatedly stated that he would like to extend his contract. Perhaps not on the same terms, but that was the idea. The arrival of Chevalier may well upset those plans.
Staying for another year to keep all options open and secure a good deal could be a good idea. But it’s risky from a sporting perspective and not very pleasant. He still needs an exit strategy that he’s completely happy with for this summer. The Premier League is tempting, but he needs a project that appeals to him. Nothing is impossible, but nothing has been decided yet.
As for PSG, they could facilitate his departure with a price lower than the value they estimate Donnarumma to be worth. This makes sense with one year left on his contract. And there is a hefty salary to be paid rather than having him in the squad for “underuse.” Unless coach Luis Enrique wants full competition, but that’s difficult to achieve.
