The future of Gianluigi Donnarumma has become one of the most attractive mysteries of the summer transfer market. The Italian goalkeeper, 26 years old, has a contract with Paris Saint‑Germain until June 30, 2026... This allows Real Madrid to approach his signing with an advantage starting next January 1.
Gigi Donnarumma has experienced a season of vindication in Paris, closing with a spectacular Champions League in Munich, where he delivered decisive performances in key knockout rounds. That level has made him one of the most closely followed goalkeepers by Europe's top clubs.
Donnarumma interests half of Europe
Among the interested clubs are Bayern, Manchester City, and especially Real Madrid. The operation would fit into the smart signings strategy of the Whites. We're talking about securing a top goalkeeper with no transfer fee in 2026, with time to integrate before Courtois retires.
However, negotiations with PSG are far from broken. Fabrizio Romano and L'Équipe reported that both parties are moving toward a renewal with a more moderate base salary and performance-based variables. Donnarumma has expressed his desire to stay in Paris, stating that he feels valued by the club and fans, but he doesn't rule out any scenario.
A key condition
There's a condition that complicates everything. Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Donnarumma has internally communicated that he'd only consider signing for Real Madrid if he's guaranteed the starting spot and doesn't have to live in Courtois's shadow. That demand isn't simple: Courtois's contract has been renewed until 2027, with Madrid keeping full trust in him despite a season with a 72% save rate before the Club World Cup.
The current situation leaves Real Madrid at a crossroads. It can wait for Donnarumma to become a free agent in 2026 and plan an orderly transition... Or bet on strengthening its goalkeeping position consistently, even if that means the Italian would arrive with unclear conditions regarding his role.
In Valdebebas, they're clear: Real Madrid does want Donnarumma, but demands that the club's future not be dictated by an impossible condition like immediate starting status over Courtois. The Italian must accept a gradual process or stay in the French capital. If Donnarumma insists on that demand, the plan could be definitively ruled out. Neither wants to negotiate with a door that closes by stepping over the other.
Meanwhile, the Belgian's renewal is about to become official and the Whites are navigating between keeping stability or going after a top goalkeeper without hurry, but with an eye on the future.