Paris Saint-Germain started their Ligue 1-title defense with a 1-0 win over Angers on Friday evening but they were events after the last whistle that the spotlight really recorded.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was not included in the MatchDay team, seemed to say goodbye to the Parc des Princes at an emotional moment with PSG's Ultras that further feeds the speculation around his future, while conversations about a potential move to Manchester City continue.
Donnarumma joined his teammates on the field after the last whistle, casually dressed in jeans and a hoodie. While the players walked their way across the field to greet the supporters, Donnarumma was seen chatting with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Fabian Ruiz.
Then came a significant moment. Hakimi and Ruiz gently pushed Donnarumma forward until he only stood in the penalty area, directly in front of the author's end where PSG's Ultra's are based. What followed was a moving exchange – the Ultras broke out in hymns of support, while Donnarumma applauded them in the ovation for weeks.
The 26-year-old stood alone for more than 30 seconds, clapping and waving while the fans reacted in kind. His teammates eventually returned to him and mobicked him in a show of affection. Donnarumma then climbed over the billboards to get closer to the fans and continued to apply, in what seemed to be a clear gesture of farewell.
The moment comes in the midst of advanced conversations between PSG and Man City about a late Window movement. Pep Guardiola admitted earlier on Friday that he does not know who his first-choice keeper is, even though he insisted last week that Ederson was his number one. The Brazilian missed last weekend's game against Wolves, officially due to illness, but City is now open to let him leave with Galatasaray to sign him.
Donnarumma has emerged as an excellent candidate to replace him, with city officials who explore a deal in the last part of the window. Guardiola was remarkably less final when he was asked about his goalkeeper situation prior to this weekend's collision with Tottenham.
“We'll see tomorrow, we'll see who trains well,” said the city boss. 'We will talk to it [goalkeeping coach] Xabi [Mancisidor] And we will see. New players always bring energy. '
James Trafford, a summer arrival of £ 27 million from Burnley, impressed by his debut last week, but Guardiola is still considering reinforcements.
Italian Donnarumma, a European Championship and winner of the Champions League, was informed earlier this month that he is no longer in PSG's plans after the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille. Despite playing a crucial role in last season's Treble, Donnarumma was told to find a new club before the window closes.
Manchester United has also been associated with Donnarumma, with uncertainty around their own goalkeeper situation.
Senior sources at United, however, have triggered the chance of a movement, referring to wage requirements and the wider recruitment strategy of Ineos aimed at younger, more affordable goals.