Richard Keys Slams Pep Guardiola Over Incident From Seven Years Ago

Richard Keys has criticised Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola over a decision that he made seven years ago.

City endured a difficult campaign last year, which prompted them to spend £180m in the January transfer window. This summer, they spent a further £220m, rounded off by the deadline day addition of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ederson, who revolutionised the position in England with his excellent distribution, has moved to join Fenerbahçe in Turkey. Donnarumma's arrival marks a major shift in in the approach Guardiola wants from his number one.

Not everyone believes that the change is positive, with sports presenter Keys sharing his doubts on X.

Gianluigi Donnarumma. Image: Claudio Villa - FIGC / Contributor via Getty

He wrote: "I don’t get the Donnarumma deal.

"The first thing Guardiola did at City was get rid of Joe Hart because he claimed Hart wasn’t good with his feet.

"Paris say the same about Donnarumma."

Why have PSG sold Gianluigi Donnarumma?

Given Donnarumma played a vital role as PSG became European champions for the first time, it feels harsh that he has been forced out of the club.

But manager Luis Enrique has decided he needs a more well-rounded goalkeeper.

And the club have signed the young French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille for more than €40m.

The decision to bring in a new goalkeeper was made after negotiations between Donnarumma's representatives and the club over a new contract broke down.

It became clear that he had no future in the French capital when he was excluded from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ederson left to join Fenerbache. Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Contributor via Getty

What will Gianluigi Donnarumma bring to Manchester City?

The Italian is a world-class shot stopper and he produced several impressive saves in PSG's Champions League run.

It is a sharp contrast to Ederson, whose shot-stopping has faced criticism in recent years.

At 1.96m, Donnarumma has the size to dominate aerially, but he is as commanding from crosses as Arsenal's David Raya.

He is also much more limited with the ball at his feet than Ederson, although the Brazilian is regarded as one of the best ball-playing keepers in history.

Ederson was also very comfortable coming off his line to sweep up danger, which Donnarumma is not as confident at.

Overall, the move represents a change in direction from Manchester City and perhaps indicates they will move to a more direct style of play.

And for new recruit James Trafford, it raises question marks about when he will get his next chance between the sticks.