Manchester City have signed Argentina international goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille on a two-year deal, the clubs announced on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old will serve as City’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” said Rulli, who returns to City for a second spell after spending the 2016/17 season at the Etihad Stadium without making a first-team appearance.
“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 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.”
Rulli has won eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He was also in the squad that reached last month’s World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.
The goalkeeper has previously played for several European clubs, including Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Montpellier and Ajax.
Rulli famously scored a penalty in Villarreal’s 2021 Europa League final victory over Manchester United before saving the decisive spot-kick from United goalkeeper David de Gea to seal an 11-10 shootout win.
His move to Manchester City comes as Marseille seek to raise funds after being fined €10 million for failing to meet UEFA’s financial break-even requirements.
Marseille’s fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2025/26 season also means the club will miss out on the lucrative Champions League next season.
On Tuesday, Marseille announced the departure of another Argentina international, defender Facundo Medina, who joined Bayer Leverkusen after just one season in France.
The French club had earlier parted ways with some of its highest earners, including English forward Mason Greenwood, who moved to Fenerbahce, and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined Spanish side Deportivo La Coruña.
AFP
