Man City stars respond to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s message about his 'new home'
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Jonathan Burnett
Tue 16 September 2025 15:08, UK
Gianluigi Donnarumma has already established himself as Manchester City’s new number one after his display against Man United.
Man City beat their arch-rivals to Donnarumma’s signature after Man United had opened talks to bring in the PSG goalkeeper, as both clubs looks to address churn between the sticks late in the transfer window.
Man United had baulked at the propsect of paying Donnarumma £435,000 per week if they were to sign the Italian as Andre Onana‘s replacement, and instead brought in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Pep Guardiola had already bolstered Man City’s goalkeeping stocks with the £31million signing of James Trafford, but the 22-year-old’s spell as their number one was brief after Donnarumma‘s transfer was confirmed on 2 September.
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Man City fans were left concerned for Trafford’s development after the club first reached out to PSG with an offer to sign Donnarumma last month, and the Italy international has already displaced the youngster.
Football Insider revealed after Donnarumma’s arrival that Guardiola had already decided on Man City’s new number one, and this decision came to pass in Sunday’s derby win with Trafford left on the bench.
Donnarumma kept a clean sheet on his debut and made a superb stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo as City coasted to a 3-0 win, and he posted on Instagram on 15 September to reflect on his new surroundings.
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In a message liked by City team-mates Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Cherki among others, Donnarumma and his son walked around the Etihad Stadium pitch as he said: “Leo’s new home”.
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Football Insider Verdict
Former Man United scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Donnarumma’s signing could turn the tide in Man City’s favour as they look to reclaim the Premier League title, after his faultless debut.
However, the Blues’ previous decision to bring Trafford back to the Etihad Stadium – and paying Burnley £31m to do so – suggested that the club had a long-term plan to develop their former academy player.
Donnarumma is only four years Trafford’s senior and already the clear first choice, and with plenty of time left to run in the Italian’s career, it remains to be seen if Trafford will still be given the opportunities to reach his own potential.