At the end of the season, we witnessed the conclusion of one of the longest love-hate relationship in Italian football. Since making his debut at the tender age of 16, Gianluigi Donnarumma cemented himself as one of the best rising goalkeepers in the world, and has been a stalwart for Milan ever since. Nonetheless, his relationship with the club and its fans had always been a complicated one, marred by several contractual standoffs.
The 22-year-old allowed his contract with the Rossoneri to expire but he is yet to find a new club, despite being linked with some of the biggest names in European football.
So what would be Gigio‘s best destination? Let’s take a look at his suggested options.
Barcelona
According to several transfer reports, the Blaugrana are the shot-stoppers’ most likely club for next season.
But it has to be said that such a move would be a little bit surprising, especially when we consider that the Catalans already have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the form of Marc-André Ter Stegen.
The German is at the peak of his career, and his ability to play with his feet makes him much more suitable for the club’s playing style than Donnarumma, who can be a bit clumsy in this aspect.
A duel between the two goalkeepers might not end too well for the Italian.
Juventus
From Dino Zoff to Gianluigi Buffon, the Old Lady always intends to poach the Azzurri’s number one. Therefore, a move to Turin feels like a natural conclusion for the young man.
However, the Bianconeri have a problem on their hands in the form of Wojciech Szczesny who already earns 6.5 millions per season and, amidst the current financial crisis, having two goalkeepers on hefty wages would be inconvenient.
So whilst this move would make sense for the two parties, Juventus would first need to find a buyer for their Polish goalie.
Paris Saint-Germain
With sporting director Leonardo running the show at the French capital, the Parisians are always looking to snatch some of best talents in Italy.
However, PSG have a solid and underrated goalkeeper in the form of Keylor Navas. Thus, Donnarumma would have to earn a starting berth in the hard way.
However, since the Costa Rican is now 34, a change of guard might make sense for the French club.
Chelsea
This rumor has been mentioned earlier in the season but seemed to have died down with Edouard Mendy finding his feet at Stanford Bridge.
Whilst ditching the Senegalese after his contribution to the Blues winning the Champions League would feel like a cruel move, if the Londoners find it as a mean to upgrade their squad, then they might just opt for it.
Milan
The Rossoneri announced his departure last week but, as long as Donnarumma remains without a club, then he and his agent Mino Raiola might end up reconsidering Milan’s offer.
The Diavolo have already signed a decent replacement in Mike Maignan but, realistically speaking, the Italian international can offer them better while also being one of the oldest members of the squad.
Conclusion
As showcased above, Gigio doesn’t exactly have an ideal destination. He might dream of Barcelona but that would be ill-advised, unless Ter Stegen leaves the club, and playing time at PSG is also far from being guaranteed.
Whilst a transfer to Juventus would make sense in theory, it might be too complicated for financial reasons. On the other hand, Chelsea may have already decided to pull out of the race.
A “return” to Milan might be unlikely but, then again, never say never in the transfer market.