City have confirmed the signing of Geronimo Rulli from Marseille on a two-year deal, with the goalkeeper arriving as cover for Gianluigi Donnarumma following James Trafford’s £45m move to Leeds.
The move is a reunion of sorts. Rulli, 34, previously spent the 2016/17 season on City’s books without making a first-team appearance before heading out on loan to Real Sociedad.
Nine years on, he returns for a fee reported at £1.7m, on a contract running until June 2028. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal as done, with Rulli’s agent present as terms were finalised.
The Argentine brings genuine pedigree to a backup role.
He was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America-winning squads, and is best remembered in England for his role in Villarreal’s dramatic 2021 Europa League final win over Manchester United — scoring his own penalty before saving David de Gea’s to settle an 11-10 shootout.
His CV also takes in spells at Real Sociedad, Montpellier and Ajax before two seasons at Marseille.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said. “When the chance to join Manchester City comes along you have to go for it. Everyone I have spoken to about City said I had to join them because they are a club with incredibly high standards.”
The deal ties up City’s goalkeeping department for the season ahead, with Rulli slotting in as reliable, experienced cover behind Donnarumma as Enzo Maresca’s squad continues to take shape.
