Deal agreed for Rulli
Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for £1.7m. The 34-year-old returns to Etihad Stadium, where he spent the 2016-17 season without making a first-team appearance, and has signed a two-year deal. Rulli famously scored a penalty in Villarreal's 2021 Europa League final victory over Manchester United, before denying opposite number David de Gea to decide the marathon shootout.[S1][S2]
He has won eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. Rulli has also had spells at clubs around Europe including Real Sociedad, Montpellier and Ajax. He comes in as a replacement for England goalkeeper James Trafford, who left City to join Leeds in a deal worth up to £45m earlier this week, and will be understudy to number one Gianluigi Donnarumma.[S1][S2]
Replacement for Trafford
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.[S3]
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. 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.[S3]
Squad planning and context
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.[S3]
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.[S3]
