Gerónimo Rulli Returns to Manchester City on Two-Year Deal

Gerónimo Rulli has sealed a return to Manchester City, signing a two-year deal worth £2 million that ties him to the Etihad until 2028.

The Argentine international arrives from Marseille and is set to slot in behind first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, adding experience and pedigree to a position City have turned into a strength in recent seasons.

A Champion Returns

This is not Rulli’s first brush with City. He was on the books for the 2016-17 campaign but never played a competitive minute before moving on. Eight years later, he comes back as a World Cup winner and a Europa League hero.

Rulli carved his name into Villarreal history in 2021, stepping up in the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United. He scored in the marathon penalty shootout, then saved the decisive spot-kick to deliver the trophy. That night in Gdańsk turned a solid keeper into a headline act.

His rise continued with Argentina. The 32-year-old has eight caps and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, a journey that hardened his reputation as a dependable, high-level option in elite dressing rooms.

“You Have to Go for It”

For Rulli, the pull of City was irresistible.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me - and one I had to grasp. 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,” he said.

The message is clear: he knows his role, and he knows what this environment demands.

“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.”

No promise of a starting spot. No illusions. Just the lure of competing every day at the top end of the game.

City’s Goalkeeping Triangle

Inside the club, there is clear satisfaction at securing a seasoned goalkeeper who has seen just about everything.

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 boast a trio of contrasting profiles in goal: Donnarumma, the undisputed No. 1; Marcus Bettinelli, a reliable squad presence; and Rulli, a battle-tested winner with a history of delivering in high-pressure moments.

For Rulli, the first stint at City passed without a single appearance. The second begins with a World Cup medal in his pocket and a very different sense of purpose. The question now is simple: in a club that squeezes every drop out of its players, how much more can he still become?