PSG’s €40m Chevalier deal highlights the pain of losing Donnarumma

PSG paid €40m to bring Lille OSC’s Lucas Chevalier to the Parc des Princes, a fee that underscores the club’s challenge in off‑loading goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian, 27, left Paris Saint‑Germain in the summer of 2025 after a standoff in contract extension talks.

Champions League triumph and departure

Just weeks before his exit, Donnarumma silenced critics by starring in PSG’s UEFA Champions League triumph. Unable to reach a new deal with Italy’s No 1, the club turned to Chevalier as the next big French goalkeeping prospect.

Chevalier’s arrival has not gone as planned; he now sits behind Matvey Safonov in the pecking order. Luis Enrique, the Asturian manager, reflected on the sale ahead of PSG’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Man City-PSG preview: Luis Enrique backs Donnarumma praises PSG keeper

“I really like Gigio. I was very lucky to know him and for me, it was very hard to decide what we decided. I am happy to see that he is at the same level as he was at Paris. He is a marvelous person,” Enrique said at Tuesday’s press conference.

The comments came as PSG prepare to meet Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, a reunion that highlights the lingering impact of Donnarumma’s departure.