City’s Goalkeeping Changes
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Marseille for the transfer of goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in a €2million deal. This move comes as City seeks a replacement for James Trafford, who recently transferred to Leeds for a fee reported to be up to £45m.
Rulli, an Argentina international, had previously signed with City a decade ago from Deportivo Maldonado. However, he did not make an appearance for the Premier League club during that time, instead going on loan to Real Sociedad before joining them permanently in January 2017.
Over the years, Rulli has been linked with a return to City and has played for various clubs across Europe, including Villarreal, Ajax, and Marseille. He spent the last two seasons with Marseille, making 73 appearances and contributing to their second-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2024-25 season.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper served as a back-up to Emiliano Martinez for Argentina during their run to the World Cup final this summer, though he did not feature in any matches during the tournament. He has been capped eight times for his national team.
Trafford’s Departure and Rulli’s Role
James Trafford‘s decision to join Leeds was influenced by his dissatisfaction with City‘s acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer, shortly after Trafford himself had rejoined the club from Burnley. Trafford had a successful period at City, helping them secure the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but sought more consistent first-team opportunities in the Premier League.
Leeds United made Trafford their third signing of the summer, with the goalkeeper signing a five-year deal. City has included a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the deal and retains a matching rights option should Trafford depart Leeds in the future. Leeds was in search of a new goalkeeper after Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow moved to Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively, in back-up roles.
With Trafford‘s departure, City has opted for Rulli as a more traditional back-up goalkeeper. His previous association with the club and his relatively low transfer fee suggest he is expected to serve as an understudy to Donnarumma. Rulli‘s experience, particularly with teams that play out from the back, is seen as a suitable fit for City‘s style of play.
Squad Preparations and Other Transfers
Rulli is scheduled to link up with the City squad upon their return from their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea next week. Players who participated in the latter stages of the World Cup are expected to commence their first training session under Enzo Maresca on Wednesday, with an open training session for the club planned for Thursday.
In other goalkeeping news, City re-signed former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer. Charles is set to spend the 2026-27 season on loan at Queens Park Rangers.
On the transfer front, City‘s summer activity has been progressing slowly following the record signing of Elliot Anderson. The club is reportedly prepared to replace Rodri if the Spain international finalises a move to Barcelona. This potential move is separate from any interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
City also aims to replace other departing players, including Savinho, who has attracted interest from Tottenham, and Tijjani Reijnders, who has been linked with Nottingham Forest, among other clubs. Rulli will have the opportunity to work with fellow countryman and former City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who is part of Maresca‘s coaching staff.
Source: nytimes.com
