City Manager Guards Against Champions League Competitiveness Doubts
Manchester City Welcomes Back De Bruyne as Donnarumma Takes the Reins
Manchester City is gearing up for an exciting season, with a new first-choice goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma and the highly-anticipated return of Kevin De Bruyne.
After a disappointing end to last season, finishing without a trophy for the first time in eight years, City is intent on making their mark in the Champions League. The Italian shot-stopper, who won the Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to City in September 2025, is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Donnarumma signed a five-year contract with the club, with a transfer fee of around 35 million euros. His arrival at the Etihad follows a £26-million ($36 million) deal from Napoli, where he had previously been the first-choice goalkeeper.
City started the Premier League season slowly, with two defeats in their first three games. However, they bounced back in style, crushing Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday. The team's improved performance is a testament to the rebuilding effort spearheaded by manager Pep Guardiola over the past two transfer windows.
Several long-serving players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Ederson, have left the club. De Bruyne's return to the Etihad on Thursday will be emotionally charged, but Guardiola has expressed his anticipation to see him, only after the game.
De Bruyne had a 10-year trophy-laden stint with City before joining Napoli in June. His quick settlement in Italy is not surprising, given his talent and vision, according to Guardiola.
Despite the team's promising start, bookmakers consider Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain as more likely winners of this season's Champions League. City, however, is not considered a contender, according to Guardiola.
City suffered an early exit in the Champions League last season, losing to Madrid. The team should enjoy the moment and focus on the game they have to play, Guardiola stated.
Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG in May before joining City, has chosen the club as his top choice and has replaced Ederson as the first-choice goalkeeper. The Italian goalkeeper spoke to reporters on the eve of the match against Napoli, expressing his desire to come to City and stating that it was his only option.
City fans will be hoping that the addition of Donnarumma and the return of De Bruyne will help the team regain their form and win their first Champions League title since 2023.
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