Gerónimo Rulli Returns to Manchester City as Goalkeeper

Gerónimo Rulli is back at Manchester City. This time, he is here to play a part.

City have completed the signing of the Argentine international from Marseille in a deal worth £2 million ($2.7 million), handing the goalkeeper a two-year contract that runs to 2028. He arrives with a clear brief: provide experienced, high-level cover for undisputed No 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.

For Rulli, 32, it is a return that almost feels like a debut. He spent the 2016-17 season on City’s books without making a single appearance before moving on. Now he comes back as a World Cup winner and a Europa League hero, a very different profile to the young keeper who slipped quietly through the club a decade ago.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me – and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said after the move was confirmed. “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.”

A goalkeeper with big-game scars – and medals

Rulli’s CV carries the kind of moments that stick in the memory. With Villarreal in 2021, he stepped into the spotlight in the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United, not just saving the decisive penalty in the shootout but also scoring one himself. It was the defining twist in a marathon shootout and delivered the Spanish club the first major European trophy in their history.

That night in Gdansk helped cement his reputation as a goalkeeper who can live with pressure. His rise continued on the international stage: he has eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

His club journey has taken him through Ajax and Villarreal before his spell at Marseille, where his blend of shot-stopping and experience made him an attractive option for a City side intent on depth and reliability behind Donnarumma.

City’s goalkeeping union grows

Inside the Etihad, there is clear satisfaction at bringing him back.

Football Director Hugo Viana said: “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.

“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 possess a trio in goal that mixes youth, peak years and know-how. Donnarumma remains the franchise figure, Marcus Bettinelli adds depth, and Rulli arrives as the seasoned operator who has seen almost everything the game can throw at a goalkeeper.

He may not start every week. He knows that. But at a club that expects to go deep in every competition, the margins often sit with the players who step in when the spotlight suddenly swings their way.

Rulli has already shown, on some of the biggest nights in Europe, that he doesn’t flinch when it does.