The short version
- Manchester City have finalized the acquisition of Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for a reported fee of £1.7 million.
- The 34-year-old Argentine returns to the Etihad Stadium after a previous stint in 2016-17, signing a two-year deal.
- Rulli joins as backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma following the departure of James Trafford to Leeds United.
Manchester City have officially completed the transfer of goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from French club Marseille. The acquisition marks a strategic adjustment in the squad’s defensive hierarchy, bringing in an experienced veteran to bolster the goalkeeping options for the upcoming season. The deal was finalized with a reported fee of £1.7 million, reflecting the player's status as a seasoned professional rather than a high-profile marquee signing.
Rulli, aged 34, returns to the Etihad Stadium on a two-year contract. This move represents a homecoming of sorts for the Argentine, who previously spent the 2016-17 season with the club. During that earlier tenure, he did not make a first-team appearance, serving primarily as cover. His return suggests a renewed confidence in his ability to contribute at a senior level after nearly a decade away from Manchester.
The signing serves as a direct replacement for James Trafford, who recently departed City to join Leeds United. Trafford’s exit involved a significant financial transaction, with reports indicating a deal worth up to £45 million. The contrast between the outgoing player’s high transfer value and Rulli’s modest fee highlights the club’s shift toward securing experienced depth rather than investing heavily in unproven talent for the backup role.
Within the current squad structure, Rulli is positioned as the understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian international remains the established number one, having solidified his place in the starting lineup. Rulli’s arrival ensures that City maintains a competitive standard in goalkeeping, with a veteran who has navigated high-pressure European competitions throughout his career.
Rulli’s professional history includes notable achievements at both club and international levels. He is best known for scoring a penalty during Villarreal’s 2021 Europa League final victory over Manchester United. That decisive moment in the shootout, where he denied David de Gea, remains a defining highlight of his career. His experience in such critical matches adds a layer of psychological resilience to the squad.
On the international stage, Rulli has earned eight caps for Argentina. He was part of the national team squads that secured victories in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. Additionally, he contributed to the team’s run to the final of the 2026 World Cup. These accolades underscore his familiarity with winning environments and the demands of elite-level competition.
His club career has taken him across several major European leagues, including spells at Real Sociedad, Montpellier, and Ajax. This diverse background has exposed him to different tactical systems and playing styles. Such versatility may prove valuable in adapting to Manchester City’s specific requirements under their current management structure.
Rulli expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to rejoin the club, citing its long-standing success and high standards as key motivators. He emphasized his desire to work within a high-performance environment where he can continue to improve and learn. His comments reflect a professional mindset focused on development and contribution, rather than immediate starting guarantees.
The integration of Rulli into the squad will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. As training resumes, his ability to adapt to the team’s rhythm and tactical nuances will be tested. The coaching staff will likely evaluate his performance in pre-season fixtures to determine his readiness for competitive matches.
Looking ahead, the presence of a seasoned backup provides stability for the goalkeeping department. With Donnarumma leading the line and Rulli offering experienced cover, Manchester City aims to maintain consistency in defense. This strategic move underscores the club’s commitment to depth and quality across all positions as they prepare for another demanding season.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Man City sign goalkeeper Rulli from Marseille
