Geronimo Rulli to Man City: Why Pep Signed Marseille Keeper for €2m

Manchester City have completed the signing of 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille. The experienced shot-stopper returns to the Etihad Stadium a decade after first joining the club, providing depth in goal for Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Geronimo Rulli Transfer Details

City have secured Rulli for a significantly lower fee than his current market valuation, making it one of the more cost-effective deals of the summer window.

Why City Moved for Rulli

The signing was driven by the need for reliable, experienced cover. With James Trafford having departed for Leeds United, new manager Enzo Maresca required a proven goalkeeper who could step in immediately without a long adaptation period.

Rulli first signed for Manchester City in 2016 from Deportivo Maldonado but never made a competitive appearance. He was immediately loaned to Real Sociedad and later joined the Spanish club permanently. Ten years on, he returns following Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of the 2025/26 season and Maresca’s appointment as head coach.

Career Highlights

- Winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América with Argentina  
- Key member of Villarreal’s 2021 UEFA Europa League-winning squad (scored and saved a penalty in the final shootout against Manchester United)  
- Established himself as Marseille’s primary goalkeeper, posting consistent clean-sheet numbers in Ligue 1  

How He Fits Maresca’s System

Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola during City’s 2022/23 Treble-winning campaign, prioritizes goalkeepers who are comfortable in possession and act as an extra passer in build-up play. Rulli has shown strong distribution ability throughout his career at Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Marseille, ranking highly for completed long and short passes under pressure.

While Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the first-choice goalkeeper, Rulli provides high-quality rotation options for domestic cups and European matches. His composure and ability to sweep outside the penalty area also suit City’s high defensive line.

What the Deal Means for Both Clubs

For Marseille, the €2m sale helps reduce the wage bill and frees up resources for younger players. For Manchester City, securing a World Cup-winning goalkeeper at a fraction of his market value represents a low-risk addition of experience as Maresca begins his first full season in charge.

Rulli is expected to link up with the squad shortly and compete for minutes behind Donnarumma in the 2026/27 campaign.