He’s PSG’s unlikely European hero and a domestic scapegoat. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 2024-25 campaign has been a story of extremes, with brilliance in the Champions League and far less convincing performances in Ligue 1. The gap is so pronounced that PSG are ready to sell him before the new season begins, with Manchester United and Manchester City monitoring closely.

In Europe, Donnarumma delivered exactly what PSG needed. Across roughly 15 Champions League matches, he posted a save percentage just over 70 percent and prevented an estimated 2.3 more goals than expected, according to Opta’s post-shot expected goals model (PSxG-GA). His clean sheet rate reached 40 percent, and he rarely looked unsettled on the biggest stage.

The domestic picture told a very different story. In Ligue 1, Donnarumma conceded 3.7 more goals than expected and saved only 66.7 percent of shots faced. His clean sheet rate fell to 17 percent, and he ranked in the 18th percentile among top-flight keepers for PSxG-GA. Mistakes that rarely appeared in Europe became decisive in the league, fueling a narrative that has gained traction online.

On social media, his Champions League heroics are often contrasted with his lackluster league displays. One week he’s seen soaring for saves against Europe’s best, the next he’s pictured rooted as the ball hits the back of the net in France. The paradox has become shorthand for his season, and PSG manager Luis Enrique appears ready to act.

Divided performances tell a deeper story

The numbers are even more striking when compared to his 2023-24 Ligue 1 campaign, when he led the league in shot-stopping and saved 10 more goals than expected. That form has not carried over. Whether due to the defensive shape in front of him, lapses in focus, or simple variance, PSG’s willingness to sell reflects more than just the statistics. His contract has one year left, and fees in the $27 to $33 million range have been suggested.

For PSG, there is also the matter of Lucas Chevalier, signed from Lille and producing better Ligue 1 shot-stopping numbers this season. If the club believes it already has an upgrade, the financial logic of selling Donnarumma before his deal expires becomes clear.

For United or City, the question is which version of Donnarumma they would be signing: the European standout who keeps his team alive in crucial matches, or the domestic version who has been caught out too often. The answer could shape not just his next move, but also PSG’s goalkeeping plans for years to come.