The Contract Standoff with Donnarumma
Paris Saint-Germain faces a pivotal moment: Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contract, which runs until mid-2026, has hit a stalemate. Negotiations have imploded over PSG’s proposal for a lower base salary compensated by performance-based bonuses, a structure Donnarumma’s camp rejects. Instead, he’s reportedly insisting on a high fixed salary. Simultaneously, interest from the Premier League—especially Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea—is reportedly growing, intensifying PSG’s urgency to resolve the issue .
2. PSG’s Strategic Move: Lucas Chevalier Emerges
PSG isn’t waiting around. Luis Campos, their sporting advisor with roots at Lille, has identified Lucas Chevalier as a prime successor. Campos first brought Chevalier into professional football during his Lille days, and his admiration for the 23-year-old remains strong .
Reports reveal that Chevalier and PSG have reportedly agreed on personal terms for a five-year contract, while negotiations with Lille hinge on a fee in the region of €40 million—though some sources speculate figures between €40–55m .
3. Chevalier’s Appeal as a Long-Term Project
Why Chevalier?
Form and Recognition: He’s fresh off a stellar 2024–25 campaign, earning Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and a spot in the UNFP Team of the Year. He logged an impressive number of appearances and clean sheets, showcasing both reliability and development potential .
Technical Fit: Analysts highlight his superior footwork, decision-making, and integration into high-possession systems—areas where Donnarumma reportedly lags. Christophe Lollichon, ex-Chelsea goalkeeping coach, praises Chevalier’s tactical suitability for Luis Enrique’s style and underscores his greater long-term upside .
Commercial Wisdom: PSG wants to avoid a repeat of the Kylian Mbappé scenario—losing a star for free. Selling Donnarumma before 2026 in favor of Chevalier would allow PSG to reinvest immediately rather than risk him walking away at the end of his contract .
4. Media Coverage: A New Narrative
Recent press underscores how precarious Enrique’s goalkeeper situation has become. AS reports the summer project is crystalizing: Donnarumma balks at PSG’s contract terms, and Chevalier’s move is tracking closely alongside other big-name considerations in the squad . Bild, meanwhile, claims PSG is “closing in” on Chevalier with a €40m offer in hand . Bavarian Football Works adds that as top clubs like Chelsea, Man United, and City circle Donnarumma, PSG is already eyeing Chevalier as a contingency plan .
5. The Fan Perspective (via Reddit)
PSG supporters on Reddit reflect a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism:
> “He’s much better at distribution than Donnarumma… I personally prefer Chevalier to Donnarumma everyday of the week” .
Others caution against rash decisions:
> “I firmly believe he is not a clear improvement over Donnarumma and not worth the replacement” .
Some also worry about duplicating issues:
> “Lucas Chevalier shouldn’t be the ‘clear’ replacement in everyone’s eyes” .
6. Summing It Up
So, is PSG actually pushing Donnarumma out to make room for a €55m Chevalier? While the exact figure of €55m isn’t universally confirmed—it likely reflects a higher-end market estimate—the broader trend is clear: PSG is proactively seeking long-term security and alignment with Enrique’s vision. Chevalier represents a younger, domestically grown alternative with high ceilings and technical compatibility.
If Donnarumma and PSG continue to clash on contract terms, expect a formal offer for Chevalier soon. For PSG, it’s not just about replacing a player—it’s about safeguarding the
club’s trajectory both on and off the pitch.
