Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Geronimo Rulli from Marseille on a two-year deal, following a reported transfer of £1.7m (€2m). The experienced goalkeeper returns to the Etihad Stadium for a second spell after a stint with the French club, where he played for two seasons.
This signing is timely for City as they prepare for another Champions League campaign. Rulli is expected to serve as the backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma, filling the gap left by James Trafford’s departure earlier in the transfer window. Manchester City’s ambitions remain high as they look to defend their title in Europe’s premier club competition.
Geronimo Rulli’s Journey Back to City
Rulli’s return marks a real moment in his career as he initially joined Manchester City in 2016. However, he spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Real Sociedad before permanently signing with the Spanish club the following year. His experience across various top leagues will be invaluable to City as they seek to maintain their competitive edge.
Performance Record at Marseille
During his tenure at Marseille, Rulli kept 13 clean sheets in 63 Ligue 1 matches, ranking fifth among goalkeepers in the league for clean sheets over the past two seasons. He also made 168 saves, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and support his team defensively.
What Rulli Brings to the Squad
As Rulli joins the squad, he has expressed his eagerness to embrace the opportunity at City. “This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli noted in a statement. His prior experience, both in domestic leagues and international tournaments, will enable him to adapt quickly and potentially contribute in high-stakes matches.
The SportiveNews view
Rulli’s return to Manchester City could strengthen their depth ahead of the Champions League campaign. His proven track record at Marseille and international experience will be essential as City aims to reclaim the title. How quickly he integrates into the setup and the role he plays beneath Donnarumma will greatly influence the squad’s dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of Rulli’s contract with Manchester City?
Rulli has signed a two-year deal with Manchester City, as confirmed by the club.
How did Rulli perform during his time at Marseille?
While at Marseille, Rulli kept 13 clean sheets and recorded the fourth-most saves in Ligue 1, helping the club secure a second-place finish in the 2024-25 season.
Why has Rulli returned to Manchester City now?
Rulli’s return comes in light of James Trafford’s departure, and he is set to serve as the backup option to Gianluigi Donnarumma as City prepares for the upcoming Champions League season.
Source: Based on reporting from SoccerNews.com. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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