Manchester City complete Gerónimo Rulli signing from Marseille
By Joel Masibo, August 12, 2026Manchester City have officially confirmed the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from French side Marseille, with the transfer awaiting international clearance.
The 34-year-old Argentine has agreed to a two-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Rulli is returning to Manchester for a second spell after previously being on City’s books during the 2016/17 campaign, although he did not make a senior appearance during his first stint.
The goalkeeper brings extensive experience from some of Europe’s leading clubs, having represented Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Ajax, Montpellier and Marseille, in addition to Estudiantes in his native Argentina.
At international level, Rulli has earned eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America.
His career also includes a memorable spell at Villarreal, where he played a decisive role in the Spanish club’s Europa League triumph over Manchester United in the 2020/21 season.
Following the completion of his move, Rulli expressed his enthusiasm about returning to City.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said. “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 Football Director Hugo Viana also welcomed the goalkeeper back to the club, highlighting the experience he is expected to add to the squad.
“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 make a great team. Our goalkeeper coaches are really happy with the group.”
Rulli’s career journey
Rulli began his senior career at Estudiantes after progressing through the club’s academy. He made his professional debut in April 2013 and quickly established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Later that year, he set an impressive club record by going 588 minutes without conceding.
His performances attracted attention from abroad, leading to a move to Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado in 2014. He was immediately loaned to Real Sociedad, where he spent two seasons before eventually making his move to City in 2016.
With competition for places at Manchester City, Rulli returned to Real Sociedad on loan for the second half of the 2016/17 season before joining the Spanish club permanently in 2017.
He eventually made 170 appearances for Real Sociedad before moving to Montpellier on loan in 2019.
The goalkeeper then joined Villarreal permanently in 2020. His most notable achievement there came in May 2021, when he helped the club defeat Manchester United in the Europa League final.
After a 1-1 draw through extra time, Villarreal won the shootout 11-10. Rulli converted his own penalty before producing the crucial save from David de Gea that secured the Spanish side’s first major European trophy.
Rulli moved to Ajax in January 2023, although a shoulder injury disrupted part of his time in Amsterdam. He later returned to France, signing for Marseille in the summer of 2024.
At Marseille, Rulli quickly became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and made more than 70 appearances across two seasons, helping the team finish second and fifth respectively in Ligue 1.
His club career has also been accompanied by an international journey with Argentina. After receiving his first call-up in 2015, he made his senior debut three years later.
Rulli was subsequently included in Argentina’s squads that won the 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He also represented his country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
More recently, he was part of Argentina’s squad that finished second at the 2026 World Cup.
City will now benefit from Rulli’s extensive experience as he joins the goalkeeping group and begins another chapter of his career in Manchester.
Rulli’s recent season-by-season record
2012/13 – Estudiantes: 15 appearances, 8 clean sheets
2013/14 – Estudiantes: 38 appearances, 18 clean sheets
2014/15 – Real Sociedad (loan): 26 appearances, 8 clean sheets
2015/16 – Real Sociedad (loan): 37 appearances, 14 clean sheets
2016/17 – Real Sociedad: 44 appearances, 10 clean sheets
2017/18 – Real Sociedad: 34 appearances, 10 clean sheets
2018/19 – Real Sociedad: 29 appearances, 8 clean sheets
2019/20 – Montpellier (loan): 28 appearances, 11 clean sheets
2020/21 – Villarreal: 20 appearances, 9 clean sheets
2021/22 – Villarreal: 46 appearances, 18 clean sheets
2022/23 – Villarreal/Ajax: 39 appearances, 17 clean sheets
2023/24 – Ajax: 8 appearances, 3 clean sheets
2024/25 – Marseille: 34 appearances, 5 clean sheets
2025/26 – Marseille: 39 appearances, 9 clean sheets