Why didn’t Man Utd sign Donnarumma? Fabrizio Romano reveals all

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 15 Sept 2025 16:03 BST
• 3 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United had talks about signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG during the summer but elected not to move for the Italy international.

United have endured something of a goalkeeping crisis this season. Andre Onana has been shipped out to Trabzonspor on loan after issues with his attitude and performance, while Altay Bayindir has struggled to impress.

Ruben Amorim’s side did go out and sign Sanne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, but the €20 million arrival was left out of Sunday’s 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City as Donnarumma started in the opposite net.

The Man Utd coach’s decision has been described as “nonsense” yet the Red Devils passed up the opportunity to snap up the Champions League winner, who made a particularly exceptional save to thwart Bryan Mbeumo with the scoreline 2-0.

Red Devils say no to Donnarumma

Romano revealed: “He was an idea for Manchester United. So why didn’t they sign him?”

“There was a call with the agents of Donnarumma in July to understand the situation but there was never anything concrete. Man Utd believed that despite the transfer fee €30m plus €5m add-ons. That’s what Man City paid PSG. Man Utd didn’t want to pay big money on him: because of their financial situation, because of their salary structure and because of what they’re doing internally at the club. They didn’t want to spend a big money on Donnarumma’s salary.”

Romano added that Donnarumma was always on Manchester City’s agenda – a fact revealed on The Transfer Podcast well before a deal was done.

“Man City had already planned for Donnarumma as a potential target, but in 2026. That was their plan. If he was free, they were prepared to enter the race. Having been made aware he was available, despite signing James Trafford, they entered very strongly. Pep Guardiola was part of the conversation and was absolutely crucial to convince Donnarumma,” the football transfer news insider on his YouTube channel.

The early evidence is that United have missed out on a potential bargain.

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