1 hour ago
19
Manchester City is bringing back a familiar name on paper, if not on the pitch. The Premier League club has agreed to sign Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille for a fee of around €2 million, reuniting the 34-year-old with a club where he was technically on the books nearly a decade ago.
Rulli signed for City back in July 2016 for £4 million. He never made a single appearance. Now he’s coming back at half the price.
Why City needs a goalkeeper (again)
The move is directly tied to the departure of James Trafford, who is heading to Leeds United in a deal worth £40 million, roughly $53 million. Trafford saw limited playing time at City last season, but his transfer still commands serious money.
With Trafford out the door, City needed a reliable backup behind first-choice keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Rulli fits that profile.
The deal is expected to be finalized in the first week of August 2026, with medicals already authorized. Rulli will reportedly sign a contract running through June 2028, with an option for an additional year.
Rulli’s winding road back to Manchester
Born on May 20, 1992, the Argentine shot-stopper moved through European football with stops at Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and Ajax before landing at Marseille in August 2024 for around €4 million.
At the international level, Rulli has earned 8 caps for Argentina. He was part of the national squad that reached the 2026 World Cup final.
His 2016 stint at City is one of those curious football footnotes. He was signed as a promising young keeper, loaned out immediately, and never got close to the first team.
What this means for City’s squad planning
City’s goalkeeping strategy under this move is clear: Donnarumma handles the workload as the undisputed starter, and Rulli provides experienced cover.
The contract structure gives City flexibility. A deal through June 2028 with an optional extension means they are not locked into a long-term commitment with a keeper who will be 36 by the time the base deal expires.
The broader context of City’s summer business makes this move financially logical. The club netted £40 million from the Trafford sale, meaning the Rulli purchase is being funded by roughly 5% of the incoming Trafford fee.
For Marseille, losing Rulli at a loss is a measurable setback. They paid €4 million for him in August 2024 and are selling at roughly half price after two seasons of service.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
English (US) ·