Man City agree deal to sign Marseille keeper Rulli

What the report says

Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille, with BBC Sport reporting the fee as £1.7m. The 34-year-old is set to return to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously spent the 2016-17 season without playing a first-team match, and has reportedly agreed a two-year contract.

Rulli arrives after a career that has included spells with Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Ajax and Marseille. BBC Sport noted that he is a familiar figure in European football and that he was part of Argentina’s squads for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, while also earning eight senior caps.

The move comes shortly after England goalkeeper James Trafford left City for Leeds in a deal worth up to £45m. According to BBC Sport, Rulli is expected to serve as backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving City another experienced option in goal as they reshape their squad during the transfer window.

Rulli is also known for his role in Villarreal’s 2021 Europa League final win over Manchester United, when he scored in the penalty shootout and then saved David de Gea’s spot kick. That moment, along with his international experience, helps explain why City view him as a ready-made depth signing rather than a long-term first-choice addition.