Real Madrid ready to take advantage of Man City charges by targeting 27-year-old

Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Gianluigi Donnarumma as they assess long-term options to eventually succeed Thibaut Courtois.

The 27-year-old only joined Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain last year, but the uncertainty surrounding City’s financial case has already led to speculation over the futures of several senior players.

Donnarumma is now one of the names being discussed should the club face severe sporting sanctions.

Real Madrid see Donnarumma as Courtois successor

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are monitoring Donnarumma and view him as a strong candidate to eventually replace Courtois.

The Spanish champions are attracted by his age, physical presence and extensive Champions League experience.

TEAMtalk adds that Bayern Munich, Juventus, Inter Milan and Galatasaray have also been linked, although Madrid are currently presented as the likeliest destination if he becomes available.

Donnarumma joined City from PSG in September 2025 for around £26million (€30m), arriving as the long-term successor to Ederson.

The bigger issue is whether City would actually entertain a sale. Their position could depend heavily on the outcome of their Premier League case.

An independent commission has now found the club guilty of serious financial breaches, including the use of sham commercial arrangements that inflated revenues and reduced costs by more than £900million. City deny wrongdoing and have announced their intention to appeal.

Madrid interest makes sense but everything depends on Man City

Donnarumma would be a logical long-term target for Madrid.

Courtois remains an elite goalkeeper, but at 34, succession planning is inevitable. Donnarumma is six years younger, already has major international and Champions League experience, and could realistically hold the position for many seasons.

For City, however, selling him would make little sporting sense unless circumstances forced the issue.

If their appeal succeeds, there is no obvious reason for Donnarumma to leave so soon after joining. But if City face relegation or exclusion from major European competition, the situation changes dramatically.

TEAMtalk suggests keeping players on elite-level wages outside the Premier League could become extremely difficult.

That is why Madrid are watching rather than acting.

For now, this is contingency planning rather than an active negotiation. But if City’s legal situation deteriorates, Donnarumma could quickly become one of the most attractive goalkeepers on the market.