Manchester City have secured the services of Geronimo Rulli, bringing the Argentina international back to the Etihad Stadium as a back-up goalkeeper. The 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal after joining from Marseille for a fee of £1.7m.
Rulli, who was a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, will serve as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s deputy for the upcoming season. This move follows City's sale of James Trafford to Leeds for a fee reportedly rising to £45m.
This marks Rulli's second stint with Manchester City, having initially been bought by the club in 2016 before being loaned to Real Sociedad and then joining them permanently. He has also played for Ajax and Montpellier, and was a Europa League winner with Villarreal in 2021.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the transfer, Rulli stated, “This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp.” He added, “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 director of football, Hugo Viana, commented on the signing, highlighting Rulli's experience and strong desire to join the club. Viana noted, “The experience he brings is obvious – he has played at the very highest level for many years.”