Paris Saint-Germain strategic advisor Luis Campos has revealed that Gianluigi Donnarumma’s salary demands ultimately forced the club to part ways with the Italian goalkeeper this summer.
The 25-year-old stopper, regarded as one of the best in the world, joined Manchester City for just £26 million ($35.4 million) in a Deadline Day swoop. Pep Guardiola’s side waited until the final hours of the transfer window to strike, taking advantage of PSG’s weakened negotiating position.
Donnarumma himself confirmed his departure on August 12 after being dropped from the first-team squad in favour of new signing Lucas Chevalier. The Italy international expressed frustration, claiming:
“Someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group.”
Shortly after, manager Luis Enrique accepted tactical responsibility, explaining he wanted “a different profile” of goalkeeper.
Now, Campos has shed light on the financial side of the decision, telling RMC Sport that PSG could not meet Donnarumma’s wage expectations with just one year left on his contract.
“The club is more important than anyone else. That’s changed at PSG. Donnarumma, it was a combination of circumstances that led to this decision. When he asks for a salary at the level of PSG before, not the current PSG…”
The Portuguese advisor went on to highlight the club’s new contract structure, which prioritises performance-based incentives:
“Our policy is very much based on merit: you earn more when you deserve it, and when you play. We took time to discuss the Gigio issue. We were obliged to find solutions if we couldn’t reach an agreement with him.”
Donnarumma’s agent Enzo Raiola disputed Campos’ remarks, insisting his client had already agreed to lower his salary during negotiations last season. Raiola accused PSG of “changing the rules of the game,” claiming talks were delayed until after the Champions League final before the club abruptly shifted their stance in August.
While PSG move on with Chevalier, Manchester City secured a world-class goalkeeper at a bargain price. Donnarumma’s arrival at the Etihad is expected to intensify competition for Ederson’s starting spot and could prove one of the most decisive transfers of the summer window.
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