JuicyTalk
Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille to act as back-up to established number one Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Rulli is reported to have cost City £1.7million and will fill the same role occupied by James Trafford last season. Trafford last week joined Leeds in a £45m deal.
The 34-year-old has signed for City before, in the summer of 2016, but left midway through the following season without making an appearance.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli told the club’s official website. “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.
“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.”
City chief Viana delighted to bring in Rulli
Rulli has had spells with Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Villarreal, Ajax and Marseille and City’s director of football Hugo Viana was pleased to have brought in the experienced Argentina international, who was one of the aggressors in the fracas that marred the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Gerónimo back to the club,” Viana said. “The experience he brings is obvious – he has played at the very highest level for many years.
“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 still with work to do before window closes
City are likely to be active over the closing weeks of the transfer window with both incomings and departures expected.
The headline outgoing is likely to be Spain captain Rodri, over whom City are in talks with Barcelona, while Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders could also leave.
City are believed to be close to signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
