World Cup winner Geronimo Rulli joins Manchester City as backup keeper

Manchester City have signed World Cup winner Geronimo Rulli as a cut‑price backup goalkeeper, bringing the Argentina international to the Etihad Stadium for £1.7 million from Marseille after the club sold James Trafford to Leeds for a fee that could rise to £45 million.

Why City targeted Rulli

Manchester City needed a cost‑effective solution after selling James Trafford to Leeds for a fee that could rise to £45 million. Geronimo Rulli provides a reliable back‑up to Gianluigi Donnarumma and fits the club’s depth policy. The 34‑year‑old’s experience in top leagues makes him a sensible choice.

Rulli arrives as a World Cup winner with Argentina and a Europa League champion, having scored the decisive penalty for Villarreal in the 2021 final against Manchester United. His career includes spells at Ajax, Montpellier, and a loan to Real Sociedad that later became a permanent transfer. These varied experiences give him exposure to both domestic and European competition.

City secured the goalkeeper for £1.7 million from Marseille, a cut‑price fee compared with the £45 million received for Trafford. The modest outlay reflects City’s strategy of balancing high‑profile sales with prudent reinforcements. Rulli’s contract runs for two years, allowing the club to assess his contribution.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp," Rulli said, adding that he consulted Argentina teammate Julian Alvarez before deciding. He praised City’s long‑standing success and high standards, saying every professional wants to work in a high‑performance environment. He expressed eagerness to improve and learn.

City director of football Hugo Viana said, "The experience he brings is obvious – he has played at the very highest level for many years." He highlighted Rulli’s desire to join and noted that together with Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli they form a strong goalkeeper group. The coaching staff are reportedly pleased with the depth.

Rulli’s return to the Etihad Stadium means he will train alongside the first‑team squad and be ready when Donnarumma is unavailable. For the Argentine, the move offers a high‑performance environment to sharpen his skills, while City secure a seasoned professional to safeguard their goalkeeping standards.