Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid as uncertainty continues over the club’s future following an independent commission’s findings on alleged financial rule breaches.
The commission found Manchester City guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them. The club are expected to appeal before the 2 October deadline, although they continue to deny any wrongdoing.
Despite the planned appeal, Manchester City could still be stripped of their titles and expelled from the Premier League if the punishment goes against them. Such a decision would have major consequences for the club, with their players’ prospects of winning silverware and maintaining their wages potentially affected.
As rival clubs wait for the outcome, reports have identified Donnarumma as one of Manchester City’s players who could attract interest. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are understood to be among the clubs considering a move for the Italy goalkeeper.
According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid see Donnarumma as a strong candidate to eventually replace Thibaut Courtois. The report also says Bayern Munich, Juventus, Inter Milan and Galatasaray have been linked with the 27-year-old.
Bayern Munich continue to rely on 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Donnarumma’s age and experience could make him a potential long-term replacement. The German champions could make an approach when the January transfer window opens.
The reports come after comments made by Donnarumma’s agent, Enzo Raiola, in January. Raiola said: “If the opportunity to return to Italy arises, we will seize it.”
That remark has taken on added significance as interest from leading Serie A clubs grows. Donnarumma began his career in Italy and has been linked with a return to the country, while Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Turkish club Galatasaray are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Manchester City said in a statement that they were “both disappointed and surprised by the opinion of the Premier League Commission” and continued to maintain their innocence over all the accusations.
The club’s appeal is expected within the next 24 hours, while players consider their positions amid the continuing uncertainty. A separate reference to the case has described it as involving 114 charges, although the commission’s proceedings in the article are recorded as involving 115.