Gerónimo Rulli Returns to Manchester City: A New Chapter

Gerónimo Rulli is back at Manchester City – and this time, he is here to play a part, not just pass through.

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 his role clearly defined: understudy to first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma, but with the pedigree of a man who has already lived some of the game’s biggest moments.

From Europa League hero to City’s safety net

Rulli’s career has never been short on drama. At Villarreal, he etched his name into European folklore in 2021, scoring in the penalty shootout and then making the decisive save as the Spanish side stunned Manchester United to win the UEFA Europa League. That night confirmed what many already knew – this is a goalkeeper who doesn’t shrink when the stage grows.

Spells at Ajax and Villarreal showcased his reliability at the top level, and his form earned him a place in Argentina’s national setup. He has eight caps for the Albiceleste and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Now, at 32, he walks into a dressing room built to win everything, again.

“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 second chance at the Etihad

This is not Rulli’s first brush with City. He was on the books during the 2016–17 campaign but never made a single appearance before moving on. That stint barely left a footprint in Manchester. This one should feel very different.

City’s Football Director Hugo Viana underlined exactly why the club moved to bring him back.

“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.”

Behind Donnarumma, Rulli will be asked to provide exactly that: experience, calm, and competition. He knows the demands. He knows the standards. And this time, he has come to the Etihad with medals, scars, and a point to prove.