Enrique Drops Donnarumma And Says He Wants A Different Kind Of Goalkeeper

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique left Gianluigi Donnarumma out of the team and said the decision was his own. He praised Donnarumma as one of the best goalkeepers, but said he wants a different type of goalkeeper.

WHAT HAPPENED?

PSG are traveling to Udine to play against Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup and have left Donnarumma out of the squad. Enrique has taken full responsibility for the call, saying he wants a different profile of goalkeeper for his team. According to a report, PSG have been getting ready for life without Donnarumma, whose contract expires in 2026 and is yet to be extended. Enrique has called up Lucas Chevalier, signalling a change in the pecking order.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PSG

Donnarumma helped PSG win the Champions League last year, but there is no progress on a renewal. PSG cannot let Donnarumma leave for free in 2026, so a sale this summer is very much in the picture. Chevalier’s callup is being seen as confirmation he could start the season. There are other concerns: João Neves is suspended after his red card in the Club World Cup final, while new signing Illia Zabarnyi is not yet available.

STATE OF THE TEAMS THIS SEASON

As reigning European and French champions, PSG are hoping to add another trophy to their haul as soon as possible. Tottenham, who qualified by winning the Europa League, will want to test themselves against the best in Europe. PSG will be without Donnarumma’s assured presence between the sticks, adding a new question to Enrique’s tactics. PSG rely heavily on pressing and buildup play. Will Lucas Chevalier fill the gap?

THE PLAYER’S SITUATION AND FORM

Donnarumma, 26, has been the undisputed first-choice since joining in June 2021. He has played most of PSG’s games, including last season’s key Champions League encounters. His camp is furious at this situation, and he will clarify his stance in the coming weeks. The Premier League remains a likely future destination, as Donnarumma is expected to leave PSG either this summer or as a free agent in 2026.

WHAT’S NEXT?

PSG face Tottenham in the Super Cup as they target a first trophy of the season. Lucas Chevalier will start in goal, with Donnarumma out of the matchday squad. In the league, PSG want to build a tradition of starting strong, while Tottenham hope they can shake off mid-season struggles from 2024-25 and challenge for the Premier League on the back of their Europa League win. PSG remain keen on holding extension talks to avoid losing Donnarumma for free, with his situation prompting significant interest from Premier League teams if there is no progress.