Manchester City have agreed their next summer transfer move.
The Citizens are in the midst of one of the most important transfer windows in their recent history, as the likes of John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and most critically, Pep Guardiola, have all departed Eastlands.
There could yet be more dramatic moves made before deadline – but first, Manchester City have agreed to re-sign a former player.
Agreement reached to bring Geronimo Rulli back to Manchester City
According to Spanish sports journalist Uriel Iugt in a post on X (formerly Twitter), City have reached an agreement to re-sign former goalkeeper, Geronimo Rulli.
The Argentine has agreed a two-year deal, according to the report, with negotiations ongoing with Marseille over the fee.
It is largely expected that Rulli will serve as back-up to Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma for the Citizens, following the departure of James Trafford to Leeds United.
Trafford was bought last summer as City’s new no.1, after Ederson left the club following eight years between the sticks – but just weeks into the season, the England international was demoted to the role of cup keeper when City were presented with the opportunity to bring in Donnarumma as first-choice.
Foot Mercato in France notes that Rulli’s exit will facilitate l’OM’s move for Guillaumes Restes of Toulouse, with City’s negotiations “progressing well” for the 34-year-old.
Marseille are said to be holding out for around £3 million for Rulli, who was first signed by City a decade ago, following impressive form with Real Sociedad on loan in La Liga.
Rulli never played a single minute for City, heading back to San Sebastian on loan before joining permanently in January 2017.
After a loan spell in Ligue 1 with Montpellier in 2019/20, Rulli joined Villarreal in 2020, where he was the hero in a Europa League final penalty shootout that season, saving a spot-kick from David De Gea and converting his own to win Unai Emery’s side their first-ever European trophy.
He was also a part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup in 2022, and was among the group who triumphed at the 2024 Copa America, before being a back-up figure in this summer’s World Cup.
Rulli is worth €6m, as per Transfermarkt. City kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Marco Rose’s Bournemouth.
