Manchester City Bring Back Gerónimo Rulli From Marseille as Argentina Goalkeeper Signs Two Year Deal.
MANCHESTER, England Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina international goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from French club Marseille on a two year contract, bringing the experienced shot stopper back to the Premier League side after a decade long absence.
Rulli, 34, previously joined Manchester City in 2016 but did not make a senior appearance for the club before spending the season on loan at Real Sociedad. He subsequently built a career across Spain, France and the Netherlands, representing Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Villarreal and Ajax before moving to Marseille in 2024.
The goalkeeper returns to the Etihad as an experienced option behind first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. His arrival follows the departure of James Trafford to Leeds United, creating the need for additional depth in City’s goalkeeping department. Reuters reported that Rulli’s transfer provides City with an experienced backup following Trafford’s exit.
Rulli’s career includes a significant European honour with Villarreal, where he played a decisive role in the club’s 2021 UEFA Europa League triumph against Manchester United. He has also been part of Argentina’s successful international generation, featuring in squads associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América triumphs.
His return to Manchester represents a notable second chapter. When City first signed him in 2016, Rulli was regarded as a promising young goalkeeper but never made a competitive first team appearance for the club. He returns this time with substantially greater experience, having established himself as a regular at Marseille.
The move also reflects City’s efforts to maintain strength across the squad as the new season approaches. Rulli’s experience at club and international level is expected to provide additional competition and reliability in the goalkeeping department while Donnarumma remains City’s principal option.
The transfer had been widely anticipated in the days leading up to its completion, with reports initially indicating that City were targeting Rulli to replace Trafford as their second choice goalkeeper. Reuters subsequently confirmed the completed two year agreement on August 12, 2026.
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