The possibility of Gianluigi Donnarumma joining Manchester City was a scenario that even the most well-connected transfer experts might not have predicted at the start of the summer months.
The imposing Italian goalkeeper – currently holding the top spot in FourFourTwo’s ranking of the world’s best goalkeepers – concluded the previous season triumphantly, securing his first Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet, notwithstanding that achievement, Luis Enrique determined that he desired a “different profile” for the goalkeeper position, a choice that Les Parisiens’ manager has explicitly stated was solely his decision.
Could Gianluigi Donnarumma be in the starting XI against Manchester United?
Despite that reality, the prospect of joining the Etihad Stadium seemed improbable, considering that Pep Guardiola’s squad had recently invested an initial sum of £27m to facilitate the return of James Trafford to the club.
Nonetheless, following a subsequent outlay of £26m, Donnarumma now dons the Sky Blue colors, and his potential initial challenges don’t get much grander.
City are set to host their fierce adversaries, Manchester United, presenting Donnarumma with his inaugural opportunity to represent his new squad.
Having officially joined the team at the commencement of September, the Italian international will have been duly registered in City’s roster, rendering him eligible for selection this weekend.
Although uncertainties may have lingered regarding his readiness to participate, considering his departure from PSG, he successfully completed the entirety of two 90-minute matches for Italy during the international break, contributing to their triumphs against Estonia and Israel.
Given that Ederson’s transfer to Fenerbahce coincided with Donnarumma’s arrival, the battle for the coveted no.1 position will be contested between the former PSG player and Trafford, thereby rendering Guardiola’s selection for Sunday’s match a compelling subject for discussion.
From FourFourTwo’s perspective, although Donnarumma undeniably could be named in the starting lineup for the Manchester derby, his actual participation remains less assured.
Apart from an errant pass that resulted in a goal against Tottenham Hotspur, Trafford has exhibited encouraging signs since returning to City, and sidelining him would appear unduly severe. His abilities with the ball certainly align more closely with Guardiola’s ideal.
However, Donnarumma undeniably possesses a greater wealth of experience compared to Trafford, having recently concluded a Champions League-winning season and maintaining his status as Italy’s premier goalkeeper.
Considering their contrasting approaches, the ultimate decision may hinge on Guardiola’s tactical strategy for the match.
Donnarumma is currently valued at €40m, according to Transfermarkt. City will next face United at the Etihad when Premier League activity resumes this weekend.
