Manchester City Re-Sign Geronimo Rulli as Argentine Goalkeeper Returns to Etihad

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina international goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from French club Marseille on a two-year contract, with the 34-year-old set to provide experienced cover for first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Both clubs confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, marking Rulli’s return to Manchester City after almost a decade.

Rulli previously spent the 2016/17 season at the Etihad Stadium but did not make a first-team appearance during his initial spell with the Premier League champions.

The veteran goalkeeper said he could not turn down the opportunity to return to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“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 knows what an impressive club this is.”

Rulli added that the high standards at City played a major role in his decision to return.

“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.

“My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can to reach my best level.”

The Argentine has earned eight international caps and was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America trophies.

He was also involved in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, which ended with defeat to Spain in last month’s final.

At club level, Rulli has enjoyed a career across several European leagues, representing teams including Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Montpellier and Ajax before moving to Marseille.

He has also enjoyed a memorable moment against his new employers. Rulli famously scored a penalty in Villarreal’s 2021 UEFA Europa League final victory over Manchester United before saving David de Gea’s effort as Villarreal won the shootout 11-10.

His move to Manchester comes as Marseille continue to restructure their squad amid financial pressure.

The French club was fined €10 million for failing to meet UEFA break-even targets and has been forced to raise funds through player sales.

Marseille’s fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2025/26 season also means they will miss out on the financial boost of Champions League football this campaign.

The French side confirmed another Argentine departure on Tuesday, with defender Facundo Medina joining Bayer Leverkusen after just one season at the club.

Marseille have also recently parted ways with some of their highest earners, including English forward Mason Greenwood, who moved to Fenerbahce, and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña.

For Manchester City, Rulli’s arrival adds experience and depth to their goalkeeping department, with the Argentine now expected to serve as Donnarumma’s deputy while competing for opportunities across the demanding 2026/27 campaign.