Gerónimo Rulli Joins Manchester City as Backup Goalkeeper

Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from Marseille in a £2 million deal, with the World Cup winner signing a two-year contract through to 2028.

The 32-year-old arrives to operate as understudy to first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma, adding heavyweight experience to a goalkeeping group that also includes Marcus Bettinelli.

World Cup winner, Europa League hero

Rulli is no stranger to high-stakes nights. At Villarreal, he wrote his name into club folklore in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United, scoring in the epic penalty shootout before saving the decisive spot-kick to deliver the trophy.

He has eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, underlining the pedigree City are bringing into their dressing room.

“You have to go for it”

For Rulli, the decision to move to the Etihad felt inevitable once the call came.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me – and one I had to grasp. When the chance to join Manchester City comes along you have to go for it,” he said.

“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.

“Every professional wants to be in a high-performance environment and I can't wait to get started because I know I will improve and learn, which is always my main priority. My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can to reach my best level.”

Second time, new chapter

This is technically Rulli’s second spell at City. He spent the 2016–17 season on the club’s books but never made a competitive appearance before moving on in search of minutes.

Now he returns as a fully formed, decorated international, tasked with pushing Donnarumma and reinforcing one of the most scrutinised positions in elite football.

City hierarchy delighted with reunion

Football Director Hugo Viana made no secret of his satisfaction at bringing Rulli back.

“It's a pleasure to welcome Gerónimo back to the Club. The experience he brings is obvious – he has played at the very highest level for many years,” Viana said.

“I have been really impressed by him during our conversations, a strong desire to join us. It's clear we are getting a brilliant professional, as well as a top 'keeper.

“Everyone at City is looking forward to welcoming him back to the Club. The qualities he will bring are ones we need, and together with Gigio and Marcus [Bettinelli] make a great team. Our goalkeeper coaches are really happy with the group.”

City now move into the new season with a World Cup winner backing up Donnarumma and a goalkeeping unit that looks as deep and competitive as any in Europe.