Manchester City Close to €3.5M Deal for Gerónimo Rulli
August 7, 2026 · ArgentinaFrance
Manchester City are close to completing a €3.5 million deal with Marseille for goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, with personal terms already agreed.
Manchester City Close to €3.5M Deal for Gerónimo Rulli
Why this is important
This agreement shows Manchester City's commitment to strengthening their squad ahead of the new season in the Premier League. With Gerónimo Rulli as a back-up option, City can ensure depth in the goalkeeping position, especially after the departure of James Trafford. Rulli, who has experience at international level, is expected to provide solid support for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Background
Gerónimo Rulli, the 34-year-old goalkeeper from Argentina, has put in solid performances at Marseille and previously at Ajax. With a contract that is still valid until June 2027, Marseille have a strong bargaining position even though they are open to negotiations. Rulli is expected to contribute to Manchester City's success in the domestic league and European competitions.
Main Points
- Manchester City Close to €3.5M Deal for Gerónimo Rulli.
- Manchester City is close to completing a €3.5 million deal with Marseille for goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, with personal terms already agreed.
- Manchester City nears €3.5 million agreement for Gerónimo Rulli.
Initially, Manchester City made a bid of €2 million, while Marseille were asking around €3.5 million for the Argentina international goalkeeper. Negotiations have progressed since the initial offer, and both clubs appear optimistic that remaining differences can be resolved in the near future.
VoetbalPrimeur attributed these initial details to Foot Mercato, who report that Rulli is keen to complete the transfer. Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that City had submitted an official offer and started inter-club negotiations with Marseille.
Rulli, who is now 34 years old, is expected to be a backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium. Donnarumma has proven to be City's first choice goalkeeper last season. Meanwhile, James Trafford's departure to Leeds United opens up opportunities for City to bring in other senior options.
Rulli's contract with Marseille runs until June 2027, which limits the French club's ability to demand very high fees. Marseille previously signed him from Ajax for around €4 million in August 2024, and Rulli has appeared in 29 Ligue 1 matches during the 2025/26 season.
This proposed transfer would give Rulli his first chance to play in the Premier League. Previously, he played in Spain with Real Sociedad and Villarreal before spending 18 months at Ajax and then moving to France. Rulli brings considerable experience as a reserve goalkeeper. He was part of Argentina's squad for the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América, and won the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021. A crucial penalty finish against David de Gea determined Villarreal's victory over Manchester United in the final.
City appear to have secured an agreement on the player, and the size of Marseille's asking price makes the remaining negotiations fairly simple. However, the two clubs still need to agree on a final fee before Rulli can undergo a medical and sign his contract. Status: Personal terms between Rulli and Manchester City have reportedly been agreed. City and Marseille are close to reaching an agreement worth €3.5 million, but the transfer fee has not been finalized and the transfer is still at the rumor stage.
What happened next
After a personal agreement has been agreed, the focus now turns to finalizing the transfer fee between Manchester City and Marseille. If an agreement is reached, Rulli is expected to immediately join the team and adapt to the Premier League style of play. This will also be an important step in Rulli's career development at an ambitious club like City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved in this transfer?
This transfer involves Gerónimo Rulli, Manchester City and Marseille.
Where was Gerónimo Rulli from before?
Gerónimo Rulli previously played for Marseille and before that, he played at Real Sociedad in Spain.
Why did Gerónimo Rulli choose Manchester City?
Rulli really wants to complete this transfer to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
What is the proposed transfer fee for Rulli?
The proposed transfer fee for Gerónimo Rulli is around €3.5 million.
When will this transfer be official?
The negotiation process is ongoing, and both clubs are optimistic that an agreement can be completed in the near future.