Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG on transfer deadline day of summer 2025. The Italian goalkeeper replaced Ederson as City's number-one goalkeeper. In terms of his performances, Donnarumma did what was expected of him in his first season at City. It is hoped that now Donnarumma is acclimatized to English football, he can be even better next season.
Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at Manchester City as one of the best shot-stoppers in world football. He has only enhanced that reputation throughout his debut season at the club. While Donnarumma's ability to make saves was known, he did arrive at City with frailties in his game. His ability in City's build-up play and strength at corners has to improve, which stood out this season.
Manchester City will be happy with what Gianluigi Donnarumma provided this season.
All told, Gianluigi Donnarumma's debut season was a success. He showed why has an elite shot-stopper as he did preserve Manchester City's leads in crucial matches. His crucial saves from Igor Thiago and Alexis MacAllister as Manchester City beat Brentford 1-0 at the GTech Community Stadium in October of last year and beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in February immediately come to mind. Those two saves were perhaps Donnarumma's stand out moments from the 2025-26 season.
OFFICIAL: Gianluigi Donnarumma vs Liverpool has been nominated for the Premier League’s Save of the Month award in February. ⛔️pic.twitter.com/Wd8gaefbOb
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) March 5, 2026
Gianluigi Donnarumma also added leadership and presence to the new-look Manchester City side. Pep Guardiola's squad needed this as their rebuild continued throughout the 2025-26 season. Donnarumma's presence did lift his teammates and intimidate opposing strikers in one-on-one situations. However, there are areas of Donnarumma's game that he must improve.
Firstly, Gianluigi Donnarumma needs to be stronger aerially, especially from set pieces. At times, he can be bullied, so to speak. On occasion, Donnarumma can be crowded away from the ball at corners, and you'd assume this area of his game will improve after he adjusts to English football.
In Manchester City's build-up play from the back, Donnarumma isn't much of a weapon. The Italian goalkeeper has never been great with his feet. Once again, after a season under Pep Guardiola, he should be better in this regard. No one expects Donnarumma to be Ederson, but if he subtly improves his passing, that would be great for Manchester City. Especially as they enter a new era where they need players like Donnarumma to lead the way.
Gianluigi Donnarumma did exactly what was expected of him in goal during his debut season at Manchester City. He made several crucial saves across the season and added a real presence at the back to his team. While Donnarumma has areas of his game he can improve, Manchester City would be happy with his performances in his first season at the club.
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