Man City sign Donnarumma as Ederson joins Fenerbahce

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Switzerland's defender Manuel Akanji finalized a transfer away from City before the closure of the transfer window, moving to Inter Milan on a loan for the upcoming season.

City has reached an agreement to acquire Donnarumma for £26 million, who has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

At 26 years old, he had become expendable at PSG, the winners of Ligue 1 and the Champions League, as he entered the last year of his contract following the recruitment of Lucas Chevalier from Lille.

The ex-AC Milan goalkeeper has already made 412 appearances for clubs and has represented Italy 74 times, contributing to their victory against England in the final of Euro 2020.

He is the seventh player and the third goalkeeper to join City this summer, following James Trafford's return from Burnley for over £27 million and Marcus Bettinelli's arrival from Chelsea.

"Signing with Manchester City is a remarkable and proud moment for me," expressed Donnarumma.

"I am becoming part of a squad full of world-class players, led by one of the all-time great managers, Pep Guardiola. This is a club that every football player aspires to join.

"Having the opportunity to represent the club is an incredible honor and privilege."

Turkish club Fenerbahce is set to pay £12.1 million for 32-year-old Ederson, who celebrated six Premier League championships and a Champions League title during his eight-year tenure at City.

Following his £35 million transfer from Benfica in 2017, Ederson accumulated 372 appearances in all tournaments for City and also lifted the FA Cup twice, aiding them in achieving a Treble in the 2022-23 season.

Akanji was also instrumental that season after his arrival at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, as he took part in the 2023 Champions League final opposing Inter.

Inter Milan has the option to convert the 30-year-old's loan into a permanent deal, which will become mandatory if specific conditions are satisfied.

Donnarumma brings significant goalkeeping experience to City, having been the first-choice goalkeeper at AC Milan since he was 16 and remaining a regular starter for six seasons before his switch to France.

Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, remarked, "Gianluigi’s background, talent, and achievements speak volumes, and we are all extremely excited to welcome him to City.

"He has garnered a significant amount of high-level experience and understands what it takes to ensure ongoing success.

"From a remarkably young age, he has competed at the very highest levels. This is rare for a goalkeeper and means he arrives here as one of the finest in the world in his role."

How will Ederson be fondly remembered?

It is clear that Ederson will be distinguished as one of City’s finest goalkeepers, leaving behind a challenging legacy.

"I leave Manchester City with immense pride in all that we have accomplished together, and I feel honored to have donned the shirt on so many occasions," Ederson reflected.

Under Pep, we have triumphed in the Premier League and achieved success in Europe. It has been remarkable.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar stands as the only other keeper to have secured six top-flight titles in England, and Ederson played an instrumental role in helping City attain an unprecedented four consecutive league titles from 2020 to 2024.

"I came to Manchester eight years ago filled with optimism, but I never could have anticipated such a wonderful journey together," he expressed.

"Representing City has been the most extraordinary period of my life, and I will forever consider myself a supporter of this remarkable club.

"I'm departing with my wife and children, yet I'm leaving behind a large family here, Cityzens. Once a Blue, always a Blue."

Ederson not only achieved 122 clean sheets during his 276 appearances in the Premier League but also notched up seven assists in the league, setting a record for a goalkeeper.

"The fact that no goalkeeper has ever clinched more Premier League titles speaks volumes about his quality and consistency while wearing a City jersey," Viana noted.

"He has been an immense presence in all our achievements in recent years, and his talent and courage have been vital in enabling City to execute the beautiful football we’ve witnessed. He has undoubtedly secured his legacy in the annals of Manchester City."