This summer, Paris Saint-Germain completely rebuilt its squad with 11 new signings. They also bid farewell to superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. Despite the upgrades at several positions, the goalkeeper still feels unsettled and could cost PSG later this season.
Currently, Gianluigi Donnarumma is the unquestioned starting goalkeeper at PSG. The Italy international arrived in the French capital in 2021 from AC Milan on a free transfer. At the time, it was a brilliant bit of business from Les Parisiens. PSG signed a young goalkeeper who was already thought to be one of the best in the world and would be with the club for years to come.
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His arrival meant that Keylor Navas would be taking a step back, and the veteran goalkeeper did until he was loaned to Nottingham Forest last January. He’s now returned to PSG following his loan spell, and many thought he would join Messi and Neymar as one of PSG’s key departures, but the 36-year-old remains in the squad with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
One reason PSG may not have been keen on his departure is due to the struggles of Donnarumma. He’s made far too many simple errors that have cost PSG in the Champions League and Ligue 1. The primary complaint with the 24-year-old is that he is woeful when playing the ball out from the back. Donnarumma is not as adept as Navas with the ball at his feet, which has presented an issue with Luis Enrique’s desired playing style.
PSG should find out very quickly whether Donnarumma has what it takes to lead them on a deep Champions League run, as their group stage is perhaps the most difficult in the competition. PSG will go up against Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and AC Milan, Donnarumma’s former club. Advancing from the group stage isn’t a given, and if Donnarumma isn’t on his game, PSG could see themselves in the UEFA Europa League or worse.
Navas is great insurance to have. He may be a step behind where he was when he was winning multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but he’s a solid goalkeeper to look to if Donnarumma commits a head-scratching error in a big match. Luis Enrique didn’t sign Donnarumma and likely doesn’t feel any loyalty to him. He’s also well aware of Navas’ quality from his time managing FC Barcelona. If a move is to be made, I don’t think there’s any going back and Donnarumma could be sold next transfer window and PSG will have to renew its search for a goalkeeper of the future.
