Gianluigi Donnarumma will not be on the field at the UEFA Super Cup this Wednesday, when Tottenham takes on Paris Saint-Germain in Udine. The decision to hold him back has nothing to do with injury. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper turned down an extension on his contract offer, and according to reports confirmed by several European publications, that automatically strained his relationship with the board of the French club.
His contract runs until June 2026, but leaving within the current transfer window is now an absolute reality. Manchester United and Chelsea are very much interested in his situation.
Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma informed reporter Fabrizio Romano that he has no desire to extend his contract. PSG acted promptly. The goalkeeper was left out of the first game of the 2025/26 season, an action that revealed the rift between the two.
Being dropped from a title game is not the norm and means that the relationship has hit rock bottom.
Path opens to England
With his omission from the Super Cup, expectations of a transfer this window have been heightened. Donnarumma was always someone who was seen to be able to thrive in the Premier League, and now that transfer looks more likely. Manchester United is reportedly his first option, as they look for a long-term solution in goal. However, PSG's request for an immediate release is high and could complicate talks.
Chelsea are also interested, monitoring developments. Chelsea's London club have been in turmoil over uncertainty in the position and considers the Italian a high-class individual who can bring stability to the back line. However, the goalkeeper would like to transfer first to Old Trafford.
If no agreement is made during this period, Donnarumma could survive beyond his contract and leave on a free in 2026. The risk, though, is spending the majority of the season on the periphery, losing form and, potentially, his spot with the Italian national team.
Impact on PSG and the battle against Tottenham
Donnarumma's absence in the final focuses attention on Lucas Chevalier, Sunday's signing as a French goalkeeper. He is likely to start in the match against Tottenham, the current Europa League champions. To make a debut in a game of this magnitude is a tall ask, especially for a side desperate to start the new season on a high note with a trophy.
For PSG, this move isn't merely technical. It's also to demonstrate locker room dominance. Luis Enrique is going to need a reliable backup, and the board wants to show that the club isn't one-dimensional, even if however important he turns out to be. Punting Chevalier is a risk, but it undercuts the possibility that Donnarumma's Parisian residence may soon be ending.
On the field, the absence of an experienced starter affects training. Tottenham, knowing all too well the situation, will certainly try to capitalize on PSG's lack of chemistry in its rebuilt defense. That could prove to be a determining factor in a contest worth an European championship.