Manchester City’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with the club’s hierarchy and manager Pep Guardiola pushing for sweeping changes both on and off the pitch. In a whirlwind of negotiations, farewells, and strategic moves, all eyes have turned to two big names: Gianluigi Donnarumma and Rodrygo. The latest developments suggest that City are not only serious about reinforcing their squad, but are also unafraid to let go of long-serving stars in pursuit of a new era at the Etihad.
The headline news broke on August 12, 2025, when reports confirmed that Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian international goalkeeper, had agreed to a deal with Manchester City. Donnarumma, who has been a central figure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), bid farewell to the Parisian club after a period of tension and crossed statements with manager Luis Enrique. According to L’Equipe, the agreement between Donnarumma and City is in place, but the final transfer figures remain under negotiation between PSG and the Manchester side. It’s a move that’s been brewing for weeks, with Donnarumma’s omission from PSG’s UEFA Super Cup squad serving as a clear signal of his impending exit, despite his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer.
For City, Donnarumma’s arrival would mark the beginning of a new chapter. Pep Guardiola, who has been vocal in his admiration for Donnarumma since the goalkeeper’s teenage years at AC Milan, is finally set to work with a player he once described as a "top, top goalkeeper, definitely. He’s big, he has huge skill for 18 years old." Guardiola’s praise didn’t stop there. After a Champions League clash with PSG in 2021, the City boss called Donnarumma’s performance "fantastic," underscoring his long-term interest in the Italian shot-stopper.
The move comes amid a major squad overhaul at Manchester City, one that Guardiola himself promised after a disappointing campaign last season. The club’s quiet 2024 transfer window preceded a slump on the pitch, prompting the board and manager to spend big both in January and at the start of the summer. The message from Guardiola was clear: no player’s place is safe, and even club legends could be shown the door if they can’t maintain the standards required at the Etihad.
Indeed, the departures have already begun. Kevin De Bruyne, the talismanic midfielder and one of City’s most influential players of the last decade, saw his contract go unrenewed. Jack Grealish, another high-profile name, is set to join Everton on loan. Meanwhile, James McAtee and Savinho are both linked with moves away, to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. The goalkeeping department, in particular, is undergoing a radical transformation. City have re-signed James Trafford and brought in veteran Marcus Bettinelli to replace the outgoing Scott Carson. However, the futures of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega remain in serious doubt, with Ederson exploring a move to Galatasaray and Ortega also tipped for an exit.
City’s willingness to part with Ederson, a player whose distribution and composure have been integral to their style under Guardiola, is a testament to the scale of the changes underway. Ederson turned down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, staying at City due to his importance in Guardiola’s tactical setup. Yet with both Ederson and Ortega’s contracts expiring next summer, City are keen to secure transfer fees now rather than risk losing them for free in 2026. Should both goalkeepers depart, Donnarumma’s addition would not just fill the gap but signal a new era between the posts for the reigning Premier League champions.
PSG, for their part, have already moved to replace Donnarumma, signing Lucas Chevalier as their new number one in August 2025. The French club’s decision to leave Donnarumma out of the Super Cup squad was a clear indication that his time in Paris was over. According to TBR Football, City have been in contact with Donnarumma’s camp as they finalize the details of the transfer, with the Italian eager for a fresh challenge in England.
While City’s pursuit of Donnarumma appears to be nearing a conclusion, another high-profile target has emerged on their radar: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger, who has long been admired by Guardiola, was the subject of a personal plea from the City boss following the Champions League knockout clash between the two sides in 2024. According to MARCA, Guardiola spoke at length with Rodrygo and his entourage about a potential move to Manchester, describing the forward as a “dream target.”
However, Rodrygo’s commitment to Real Madrid remains steadfast, at least for now. After scoring his first goal in 16 matches during a 4–0 preseason friendly win over WSG Tirol, Rodrygo took to social media to declare, "Que empiece 25/26," or "Let it begin 25/26." He reinforced his loyalty with another post, "HALA MADRID" accompanied by a white heart, signaling his intent to fight for his place under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian’s playing time may have dipped during the Club World Cup, but his public statements suggest he’s ready to prove himself in the Spanish capital.
Despite Rodrygo’s current stance, Manchester City are monitoring the situation closely. The club’s willingness to loan out Grealish and sell both Savinho and McAtee indicates that they are clearing space for a marquee attacking signing. Fabrizio Romano reports that Guardiola is "pushing" for City to make a move for Rodrygo, while Real Madrid have set a hefty price tag of €100 million (approximately £86.5 million or $116.2 million). Madrid have made it clear they are open to letting Rodrygo leave if he requests a transfer and a significant bid arrives, but as of now, the player has not communicated any desire to depart.
All told, Manchester City’s summer is far from over. The club is balancing a delicate act—bidding farewell to established stars, ushering in new talent, and navigating the unpredictable world of top-tier football transfers. Donnarumma’s imminent arrival, coupled with the ongoing pursuit of Rodrygo, underlines City’s ambition to remain at the summit of European football. With the transfer window still open and negotiations ongoing, fans can expect more twists and turns before the dust finally settles.
As of today, the Donnarumma deal awaits final confirmation between the clubs, while Rodrygo’s future hangs in the balance. One thing’s for certain: Manchester City are not standing still this summer, and the football world is watching every move.
