Gerónimo Rulli Joins Manchester City as Donnarumma's Deputy

Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli in a £2 million move from Marseille, handing the World Cup winner a two-year contract that runs to 2028.

The 32-year-old arrives with a clear brief: provide elite cover and competition for first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma, while adding serious experience to City's goalkeeping department.

A different City chapter

This is not Rulli’s first time in sky blue. He spent the 2016-17 season on City’s books without playing a single minute, a curious footnote in a career that has since taken in major European nights and the sport’s biggest prize.

This time, the stakes are very different.

Rulli joins as a seasoned No.1, fresh from stints at Ajax, Villarreal and Marseille, and with a reputation forged in high-pressure moments. His most iconic? The 2021 UEFA Europa League final, when he not only scored in the shootout for Villarreal against Manchester United, but then saved the decisive penalty to seal the trophy.

He also brings international pedigree. Rulli has eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

“You have to go for it”

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Rulli made it clear he saw the offer as impossible to turn down.

"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.

"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."

For a goalkeeper stepping into a squad built to win on all fronts, that mindset will matter as much as his reflexes.

Viana: “A brilliant professional”

City Football Director Hugo Viana underlined exactly why the club moved for Rulli and why his return feels so different from his first spell.

"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."

So City’s goalkeeping unit is set: Donnarumma as the undisputed starter, Rulli as a proven, battle-tested deputy, and Marcus Bettinelli rounding out a group that blends youth, experience and World Cup-winning know-how.

Rulli’s first spell at the Etihad passed without a trace. His second will not be judged on appearances alone, but on whether he can be ready for the one night when City need him most.