Manchester City are once again making headlines in the football world as Pep Guardiola’s team stand very close to completing one of the most dramatic goalkeeper transfers in recent memory. The story that has gripped both Manchester and Paris is now at its final stage as Gianluigi Donnarumma, the tall Italian goalkeeper who once was described as the new Buffon and the future of goalkeeping, prepares to leave Paris Saint Germain and take his gloves to the Etihad Stadium. The move is not yet fully done because one final piece of the puzzle must fall in place, and that piece is Ederson. The Brazilian goalkeeper who has been the foundation of City’s success since 2017 is in talks to leave the club for Galatasaray in Turkey, and once his transfer is sealed then Donnarumma will be officially announced as the new man between the posts for Guardiola. Sources inside Manchester City have confirmed that the club have already agreed personal terms with Donnarumma and the only thing stopping the official unveiling is the agreement with Galatasaray for Ederson’s departure.
The situation in Paris has created the perfect opportunity for City. Donnarumma has fallen out with PSG behind the scenes and his place as first choice has already been taken by Lucas Chevalier, the young French goalkeeper signed from Lille. That means Donnarumma is now surplus to requirements and PSG are happy to let him go for a fair fee. Money has never been a problem for Manchester City, and sources close to the club say that PSG’s asking price will not be an issue. City believe they are getting a goalkeeper who is still only 26 years old, already has international experience with Italy including winning the Euros, and who can serve them for the next decade if all goes well.
While Manchester United had also been linked with Donnarumma in the past, the red side of the city has gone in a different direction, targeting Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. That leaves the path clear for City to finalise this move. For Guardiola, this signing is not just about replacing Ederson, it is about evolving his team again. Donnarumma brings a different skill set, with his huge frame, strong reflexes, and commanding presence inside the box. City believe that with Guardiola’s coaching he can improve even more with the ball at his feet, an area where Ederson has been a pioneer.
But there is still the matter of Ederson’s transfer. Galatasaray have already made an offer but City rejected the first bid because they value Ederson highly, not just as a goalkeeper but also as a symbol of their dominance in English football. Negotiations are ongoing and the Turkish giants are determined to bring Ederson in as their marquee signing. The deal must balance both parties, with Galatasaray pushing for a fee they can manage and City holding out for a figure that reflects Ederson’s status. Once this deal is agreed then the domino effect will allow Donnarumma’s transfer to City to be announced.
For Ederson himself, this move would mark the end of an incredible journey. Since arriving in 2017 from Benfica he has transformed City’s style of play, acting almost like an extra outfield player with his passing and composure. He helped Guardiola’s system of playing out from the back reach new levels and his bravery in rushing out of his goal has made him one of the most recognisable goalkeepers in the Premier League era. His relationship with City fans has always been strong and saying goodbye will not be easy. But football moves quickly, and Guardiola is always looking to refresh his squad. Ederson at 32 may still feel he has more to give at the top, but Guardiola wants someone who can grow with the next era of his City team, and Donnarumma fits that vision perfectly.
The move also has ripple effects across the Premier League. Rivals will look at City bringing in Donnarumma as another example of their relentless ambition. Even after winning trophies and dominating English football, Guardiola continues to rebuild and evolve. Other clubs may have settled after such success, but City never stand still. Signing Donnarumma, a global name in football, keeps them ahead of the curve and sends a clear warning to everyone else that they are not planning to slow down.
Meanwhile, there is another story linked to City’s summer plans, and that is Jack Grealish. The England international who was once the most expensive British signing in history has found himself out of favour at City and is currently on loan at Everton. At Goodison Park, Grealish has been given a new chance to prove himself, and on his debut he showed glimpses of the player who once lit up Villa Park, providing two assists as Everton beat Brighton. Sources close to Everton say that they would love to keep Grealish permanently, but his wages are far beyond what the Merseyside club can afford. City are still contributing to his wages this season, and for Everton to sign him permanently Grealish would have to take a significant pay cut. Early signs suggest that Grealish is open to this possibility if he continues to perform and feels settled at Everton.
This shows another side of City’s summer. While Donnarumma’s arrival would be the headline signing, the club are also managing exits and loans in a way that keeps the squad fresh. Guardiola has always demanded that his players are fully committed and ready to adapt, and those who fall out of the system often find themselves moved on quickly. Grealish’s time at City has been mixed, with some moments of brilliance but also long spells of inconsistency. His story at Everton could yet become a successful new chapter if all sides can find an agreement.
Back to Donnarumma, the timing of this transfer also raises big questions about Guardiola’s long-term plans. Every major signing he makes at this stage of his City career feels like it could be part of one final big project. With Guardiola’s contract situation always a topic of speculation, many wonder if these moves are designed to set City up for life after Pep as well. Donnarumma is young enough to be the goalkeeper of the next generation, and signing him now could ensure stability for years to come.
The Italian goalkeeper himself will arrive in Manchester with a lot to prove. Despite his reputation and success with Italy, his time at PSG has not always been smooth. He has faced criticism for mistakes in big games and struggled to fully win over the Paris fans. Coming to the Premier League will be a new challenge, and Guardiola will demand the highest standards from him. City fans will welcome him with excitement, but also with the expectation that he must deliver immediately in a team that competes for every trophy.
What makes this transfer even more fascinating is the human side of it. Ederson leaving after so many years of loyal service, Donnarumma arriving with a heavy weight of expectation, and Grealish possibly reinventing himself at Everton. Each of these stories connects to the bigger picture of how Manchester City operate, constantly evolving and never standing still. Guardiola’s ruthless streak ensures that no one is safe, and that is why City continue to dominate.
If all goes as expected, the coming days could see announcements that change the shape of City’s squad for years to come. Donnarumma holding up a City shirt, Ederson saying goodbye to fans as he heads to Turkey, Grealish considering lowering his wages to start a new life at Everton. This is the reality of modern football where emotions and loyalty often take second place to strategy and progress.
For now, fans wait. The negotiations with Galatasaray will decide when Donnarumma’s signing is officially confirmed. Until then the story continues, but one thing is already clear. Pep Guardiola is once again reshaping his City side with bold moves, and the rest of the football world is watching closely. This summer could be remembered as the moment when a new chapter began at the Etihad, with Donnarumma stepping into the spotlight and Ederson taking his final bow.
