What happened? Manchester City has finalized a major goalkeeping reshuffle in September 2025. After eight trophy-laden years and 18 titles, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has transferred to Turkish side Fenerbahce, making way for an equally world-class but stylistically different Italian keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, from Paris Saint-Germain. City paid around £26 million for Donnarumma, who signed a long-term five-year deal and is expected to debut in the upcoming Manchester derby.
Why does it matter? This marks the end of an era and the start of a new one at City, with Pep Guardiola adapting his style to fit a goalkeeper with extraordinary shot-stopping but less ball-playing finesse. Fans and analysts eagerly await how Donnarumma will fit into City’s dynamic and possession-driven play.

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Manchester City’s Goalkeeping Revolution: Ederson Out, Donnarumma In

Ederson’s Departure: An Era Ends After Unprecedented Success

Ederson Santana Moraes leaves Manchester City after an illustrious eight-year run filled with trophies and records. Joining City in 2017 from Benfica, Ederson quickly transformed the goalkeeper role with his remarkable distribution skills, composure under pressure, and even playmaking abilities—netting seven Premier League assists, a record unmatched by any other goalkeeper.

During his tenure, Ederson collected 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the coveted 2023 Champions League crown. His unique blend of agility and precision introduced a new style of “goalkeeper as the first attacker,” deeply ingrained in Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy. In his own words at departure, Ederson said, “I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope but could never have predicted such a beautiful time together. Playing for City has been the most special time of my life”—reflecting his emotional connection and lasting legacy at the Etihad.

His transfer to Fenerbahçe for around £12 million marks a fresh chapter, with the Turkish club confirming a lucrative personal contract.

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Signing Donnarumma: A World-Class Shot-Stopper with a Different Style

To fill the colossal gap left by Ederson, Manchester City acted swiftly to secure 26-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £26 million on a five-year contract. Donnarumma, once Italy’s No. 1 goalkeeper, helped PSG reach Champions League glory last season but lost his starting spot to Lucas Chevalier under Luis Enrique, prompting his desire to move.

Donnarumma’s strengths lie in elite shot-stopping, commanding aerial presence, and critical interventions in key matches—qualities that earned him widespread acclaim during PSG’s successful European campaigns. His arrival signals a strategic shift, as Guardiola takes on a keeper less specialized in build-up play and distribution but with undeniable shot-stopping brilliance. Analysts suggest City will need to adapt certain tactical nuances, given Donnarumma’s more cautious and conservative approach with the ball at his feet, as opposed to Ederson’s risk-taking distribution.

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What This Means for Manchester City and Fans

The goalkeeper situation at City is dynamic and competitive, with 22-year-old James Trafford currently the first choice in early-season matches but expected to face strong competition from Donnarumma, who is poised to debut in the high-profile Manchester derby on September 14.

While some pundits question Donnarumma’s fit in Guardiola’s possession-heavy system, the club’s authoritative scouting and medical teams are confident in his ability to lead City’s defense confidently through the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands. Fans can anticipate exciting developments as Donnarumma grows into his role, blending his strengths with City’s established style.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Ederson leave Manchester City after such a successful spell?

Ederson aimed for a new challenge after eight years of success. His move to Fenerbahçe offers a fresh environment and lucrative contract opportunities while allowing City to rejuvenate their squad with Donnarumma.

How will Donnarumma’s playing style differ from Ederson’s?

Ederson was known for his offensive ball distribution and acting as a build-up starter, while Donnarumma’s strengths primarily lie in shot-stopping and aerial dominance. City may slightly adapt their playing style to accommodate this change.

When can fans expect Donnarumma to make his City debut?

Donnarumma is set to be available after the international break, with the highly anticipated Manchester derby on September 14 earmarked as a potential debut match.

What impact will this change have on Manchester City’s season?

The transition marks a strategic shift but also promises to bolster City’s defensive resilience with a world-class shot-stopper, potentially balancing the team’s attacking and defensive aspects differently.

Who will compete with Donnarumma for the No. 1 goalkeeper spot?

James Trafford, a young and promising goalkeeper, has started the season as first choice but will be challenged by Donnarumma, igniting healthy competition.