Manchester City signs Donnarumma to replace departing Ederson

Manchester City has announced the signing of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for £26 million. The 26-year-old Italian international has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, making him the club’s seventh and final summer signing. Donnarumma, who will wear the No. 99 shirt, is expected to step in as City's new first-choice goalkeeper.

The arrival of the Italian comes on the heels of Ederson's departure. The 32-year-old Brazilian completed his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe for a fee of around £12 million. Ederson leaves Manchester City after a remarkable eight-year career, during which he became an integral part of Pep Guardiola's dominant team, helping them win 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League.

In a farewell statement, Ederson expressed his pride and gratitude. "I leave incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am honored to have worn the shirt so many times," he said. "Playing for City has been the most special time of my life, and I will always be a fan of this special club."

While summer recruit James Trafford has started City's league games this season, Donnarumma's signing signals a new era for the club's goalkeeping department. The Italian helped PSG win the Champions League last season, making 161 appearances in total and keeping 56 clean sheets.

Donnarumma: A fit for Pep?

The move has generated debate over whether Donnarumma, widely considered one of the world's best goalkeepers, is the right fit for Guardiola's system. Years ago, Guardiola was impressed by a young Donnarumma's ability to play out from the back, a key requirement for a City goalkeeper.

However, some analysts, like Sky Sports' Paul Merson, believe the move will challenge Donnarumma. "Donnarumma will be out of his comfort zone playing out from the back every week," Merson said. "You've got to know everything... There's a lot."

Despite this, City's late move for Donnarumma shows that the club's philosophy is simple: when a player of his stature becomes available, you sign him, regardless of the cost or context.