The English Premier League experienced a record-breaking summer transfer window, with clubs spending 4.06 billion USD on new players. Several high-profile transfers took place, including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool; Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United; Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze to Arsenal; and Joao Pedro to Chelsea.
However, when asked about the best signing, Scholes chose Donnarumma. "At 35 million USD, Donnarumma is definitely the best deal of the summer," the Manchester United legend said on 3/9. "I really like him, he’s an excellent goalkeeper. If I could, I would bring him to Manchester United anytime."
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Donnarumma plays in the Club World Cup final, Chelsea 3-0 PSG on 13/7. Photo: Reuters |
Donnarumma plays in the Club World Cup final, Chelsea 3-0 PSG on 13/7. Photo: Reuters
Manchester City spent 35 million USD, 7 million less than they paid for young goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley, to acquire Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper's low price was due to his contract with PSG having only one year remaining. Disagreements over salary during contract negotiations and manager Luis Enrique's lack of interest in retaining him were the two main reasons the reigning Champions League winners let him go.
According to Scholes, Donnarumma fell out of favor at PSG because Enrique wanted a goalkeeper with better footwork. However, the move to Manchester City may not be entirely advantageous, as manager Pep Guardiola also emphasizes a goalkeeper's ability to distribute the ball from the back.
"He’s not suited to Manchester City," said the former midfielder, who won two Champions Leagues and 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United. "With Pep, you almost have to play as a central midfielder in the goalkeeper position."
Donnarumma began his career at AC Milan in 2015 at the age of 16. In 2021, he joined PSG, winning one Champions League and four Ligue 1 titles. During PSG's 2024-2025 Champions League triumph, Donnarumma played a crucial role, excelling in the knockout stages against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.
Donnarumma is also a key player for the Italian national team. He helped Italy win Euro 2020, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
In addition to Donnarumma and Trafford, Manchester City also signed Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders. Departing the club were players such as Jack Grealish, Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Yann Couto, and James McAtee.
Thanh Quy (Sport Mail)
