The reality of the summer transfer market once again reveals that, despite their elite status, goalkeepers do not receive the same attention as their colleagues in other positions. This situation contrasts with the perception of the value they bring to the game.
A clear example is the case of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. Parallels are observed in the situations of Éderson from Manchester City and Mike Maignan from AC Milan.
These three goalkeepers, considered among the ten best in the world in their position (even within the top 5 for some), do not enjoy the same interest as players in other similar positions in terms of quality. If they were wingers, central defenders, forwards or defensive midfielders, their agents would have multiple offers and their clubs would do everything possible to retain them.
However, this is not the case. PSG and Manchester City are incorporating younger and more expensive replacements. Although there has been speculation about possible destinations for Donnarumma, Éderson and Maignan, concrete negotiations are scarce.
Donnarumma, at 26 years old, is the captain of Italy and a champion of Europe and the Champions League. Éderson, 31 years old, is a pillar in Pep Guardiola’s City and winner of multiple Premier League and Champions League titles. Maignan, who turned 30 last month, has possibly been the best goalkeeper in Serie A in the last four years and is France’s number 1.
Despite their experience and quality, the contractual situation and perceived value of goalkeepers seem to be governed by different rules.
In part, this is due to structural factors. A coach can find a way to align two of the best wingers in the world at the same time. However, with goalkeepers, that flexibility doesn’t exist. Although Éderson, with his skill with his feet, could even perform as a central defender.
Donnarumma’s first agent, Mino Raiola, argued that the contribution of an elite goalkeeper was comparable to that of a Galáctico, such as Erling Haaland or Mbappé, and that, therefore, their salaries should be similar. Raiola got Donnarumma to sign a $14 million contract at 18 and his current contract with PSG at 22.
However, a significant salary increase seems unlikely at this time. According to reports, PSG’s latest extension offer is filled with appearance bonuses instead of guaranteed money, and does not contemplate an increase exceeding the 50% he received when he joined the Parc des Princes. There are external factors that complicate the situation. Donnarumma has a huge salary and is not excellent with the ball at his feet, a quality that some coaches, like his current boss, Luis Enrique, value in their style of play. Éderson has suffered injuries in the last two seasons, and Maignan has also had problems in the last two campaigns. The question is: if they played in other positions, would they receive the same treatment? Could it be that the game, in particular, training and recruitment, still haven’t fully understood how to value goalkeepers? Or perhaps, because the majority of former players turned into coaches, recruiters or scouts are not former footballers? The impression is that it is a combination of the factors mentioned above. Clubs, correctly or incorrectly, see goalkeepers as interchangeable, and the margin between an outstanding one and one that is simply good is smaller than in other positions.
