Manchester City have completed their ninth summer transfer by signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £26 million. The 20-year-old Italian goalkeeper has completed a transfer to the Premier League champions on a five-year contract, according to multiple reports. It allows for an additional optional year. Mega-rich Manchester City have joined Real Madrid in the race to strengthen their squad with one of the world’s top goalkeepers. They’re looking to Ross Donnarumma to make the leap and become their new number one.
Donnarumma’s arrival marks a pivotal shift in Manchester City’s goalkeeping hierarchy. James Trafford has been between the sticks for every league game for the club this campaign. The former City man may be set to lose his starting berth to the Azzurri international. Or take Trafford’s world-class stop in a key League One match against Brighton. Management is worried about his distribution and have decided to find a more veteran alternative in that spot.
The Guardiola Philosophy
That’s important, of course, because Pep Guardiola’s tactical ideals require that goalkeepers be top-tier ball distributors—the particularly mercurial key to his team’s style of play. Guardiola’s teams are known for their ability to control the ball and suffocate the other team. Such a style requires a goalkeeper who is an elite outlet from the back.
Here’s what former Manchester United defender turned pundit Gary Neville had to say about Donnarumma’s suitability to fit into Guardiola’s system. He’d be a great fit, but I’m skeptical that Donnarumma is the right long-term fit for the role.
“Is he the right fit for Manchester City? The answer is: 100 per cent, he isn’t.” – Gary Neville
Demands to play under Guardiola need a player to be pretty damn good with the ball at their feet, as Neville elaborated.
“On saves, him and Thibaut Courtois, there are no goalkeepers better, maybe that is enough for Guardiola to say he wants him.” – Gary Neville
That left a glaring hole that was perhaps the most controversial decision made this summer by the team—signing Gianluigi Donnarumma. Earlier that same day, Manchester City finalized a loan-to-perm transfer for Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan. This is a clear sign of strategic reshuffle throughout the squad as Guardiola tries to get the most out of everyone and find the perfect fit.
“But to play for Guardiola you have to be good with your feet. If you’re not good with the ball at your feet, you are not a Guardiola goalkeeper.” – Gary Neville
A Shift in Strategy
Trafford’s play wasn’t the only explanation for Manchester City’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday. Concerns about his shot-stopping ability ignited a team to look for a better shot-stopper. Under Guardiola’s leadership, players must be brave and willing to take risks, especially in high-pressure situations typical of the Premier League.
The signing of Donnarumma should continue to strengthen Manchester City’s pursuit to bring home hardware this season. From the bench boss to the bottom line, they’re still focused on fueling another title run. Securing a world-class goalkeeper would be vital in maintaining their competitive advantage in both domestic and European competitions.
Jack Grealish is prepared to embrace high expectation at Manchester City. He will have to adjust in a hurry to fit into the mold of his mentor Pep Guardiola’s system with all the growing expectations. Both fans and management have unrealistic expectations for Donnarumma. He needs to show off his shot-stopping prowess and long-range distribution capabilities.
Looking Forward
As Gianluigi Donnarumma prepares to step into his new role at Manchester City, the pressure will be on him to adapt quickly to Guardiola’s system. With high expectations from fans and management alike, Donnarumma will need to showcase not only his shot-stopping prowess but also his ability to distribute effectively.
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