By Abdullahi Adamu Ibrahim (U19MM1067)
Gianluigi Donnarumma is on the move, with reports suggesting he has agreed to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian goalkeeper's future was thrown into doubt when PSG confirmed he would no longer be part of Luis Enrique's plans.
Within hours, Donnarumma reportedly reached an agreement with the Sky Blues, who possess the financial firepower to secure such a high-profile signing this close to the end of the transfer window.
According to L'Equipe, Donnarumma has already spoken with Guardiola about his role in City's squad for the coming season. Sources suggest the deal could be financially more favourable than PSG's acquisition of Lucas Chevalier earlier this summer.
Fractured PSG relationship
Donnarumma's time at PSG was marked by a strained relationship with Luis Enrique. While the Italian initially managed to convince the manager of his worth as the starting goalkeeper, Chevalier's arrival and Donnarumma's refusal to extend his contractfinally broke the partnership.
Luis Enrique commented: "They are always difficult decisions to make. I can only say good things about Donnarumma — he is one of the best in his position and an even better person. But we were looking for a different profile. It is my decision, and the club's decision."
The goalkeeper responded with a pointed statementof his own, lamenting his exit while hinting at the managerial rift: "Someone decided that I could no longer be part of this group or contribute to the team's success.
"I am disappointed and bitter. I hope to have the opportunity to look the Parc des Princes fans in the eye one last time and say goodbye properly."