In a significant move for their squad, Manchester City has officially announced the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille. The 34-year-old shot-stopper returns to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously spent the 2016-17 season, although he did not make any first-team appearances during that time.
Rulli has joined City on a two-year contract, with reports indicating that the club paid a transfer fee of approximately £1.7 million to secure his services. His arrival comes as a direct response to the departure of England goalkeeper James Trafford, who transferred to Leeds United in a deal that could reach up to £45 million. Rulli is expected to serve as the backup to City's first-choice goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has established himself as a key player for the team.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Rulli stated, "This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp. When the chance to join Manchester City comes along, you have to go for it. Everyone knows what an impressive club this is. City’s success over a long time has been impressive. Everyone I have spoken to about City said I had to join them because they are a club with incredibly high standards."
Rulli's professional journey has seen him compete at the highest levels, including appearances in both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. He is perhaps best known for his remarkable performance in the 2021 Europa League final, where he not only scored a penalty for Villarreal but also made a decisive save against Manchester United's David de Gea during the shootout, helping his team secure the title.
On the international stage, Rulli has earned eight caps for the Argentina national team. He was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, and he also played a role in Argentina's journey to the 2026 World Cup final. His experience and success at both club and international levels make him a valuable addition to Manchester City.
Throughout his career, Rulli has played for several notable clubs across Europe, including Real Sociedad, Montpellier, and Ajax. His diverse experience in various leagues will undoubtedly contribute to his performance in the Premier League as he aims to establish himself in a high-performance environment at Manchester City.
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