Report: Man City summer signing beats Liverpool star to prestigious award
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Gianluigi Donnarumma is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper contender in the Ballon d'Or 2025 race, reflecting a remarkable 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked by resilience, pivotal saves, and key performances in crucial moments.
Initially, Donnarumma faced challenges in the season's first half, showing vulnerabilities in Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool which led PSG to consider substituting him with backup goalkeeper Matt Vafenov, even in high-profile games like against Bayern Munich. However, the narrative shifted dramatically during the Champions League second leg against Liverpool, where Donnarumma delivered a dominant performance, especially in the decisive penalty shootout, proving his composure and critical shot-stopping ability that was crucial to PSG's progression.
This upswing in form highlights Donnarumma's importance and cements his status as a top goalkeeper who can turn matches in his team's favor at the highest level.
Off the pitch, Donnarumma's future has attracted significant transfer interest. Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have expressed serious interest amid contract uncertainties at PSG. Manchester United is particularly keen on securing his signature to replace inconsistent goalkeepers such as Andre Onana, while Manchester City has reportedly reached an agreement with PSG for a €30 million transfer, pending Donnarumma’s final decision. Chelsea is also monitoring the situation in hopes of resolving their own goalkeeping issues.
Manchester United sees Donnarumma as a potential transformative figure, while Manchester City appears to be finalizing terms and preparing a move that could be a major goalkeeper transfer of the summer, signaling high demand for Donnarumma’s services across Europe’s top clubs.
Overall, Donnarumma's blend of elite performance on the field and high-profile transfer speculation off it underscores his standing as one of football’s most influential and sought-after goalkeepers in 2025.
PP