Gianluigi Donnarumma’s welcome gift blocked but he could make Man Utd first

Gianluigi Donnarumma has recently been linked with Manchester United – if he does move to Old Trafford, there’s one mild disappointment he’d have to tolerate

If Manchester United do manage to secure the surprise signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper would not be their No. 1. However, he could immediately write himself into the United history books.

Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir is currently the owner of the No. 1 jersey at Old Trafford. Since David de Gea’s departure under Erik ten Hag, United have had difficulties with their goalkeeping options.

Andre Onana was brought in for £47m but has been inconsistent between the sticks, sparking rumours that United might be looking to recruit a new first-choice goalkeeper. With Donnarumma’s future at Paris Saint Germain uncertain, despite his heroics in their Champions League winning campaign, United have been linked with an audacious move.

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Reports from France claim United are contemplating a move for the Euro 2020 winner. L’Equipe understands both United and Manchester City have expressed interest in bringing the Italian to their clubs after negotiations between PSG and the shot-stopper hit a wall.

The Manchester Evening News has previously reported no budget has been set aside for a new top-tier goalkeeper with Onana being told he won’t be replaced. However, With Donnarumma entering the final year of his contract and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier lined up as a potential replacement, PSG are open to selling him this summer to recoup some funds.

From United’s point of view, a potential move for Donnarumma would be a significant expense, especially when they also need to bolster their attack. But if they can find the funds for him, they could offer him the No. 99 shirt.

Two things would be accomplished if they did this. Firstly, he would be reunited with the unusual number he wore at AC Milan, the club he joined when he was only 14 years old. Secondly, he would become the first ever United player to wear the number.

Donnarumma would almost certainly be United’s first choice goalkeeper, but Bayindir was given the No. 1 shirt when he signed from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023.

Of course, with Bayindir having his eye on representing Turkey at the World Cup next summer, he may look for an exit to guarantee himself first team football. This would make the No. 1 shirt available for Donnarumma.

If the 26-year-old did move to Old Trafford and Bayindir chose to fight for his place, he may curry favour with his new team-mates by choosing the No. 99 shirt. However, United are yet to even make a bid for the goalkeeper, who already has 74 international caps for Italy.

Donnarumma has also been linked with a move to Chelsea. The Blues are currently pondering on whether to stick or twist with current shot stoppers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. Neither goalkeepers were truly convincing between the sticks last season, although the former did enjoy an impressive campaign at the Club World Cup.

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