via Reuters
Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Gerónimo Rulli as they look to replace James Trafford. Trafford served as City's main back-up goalkeeper last season having initially been signed as a number one, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to be signed later in the summer window.
But wanting to play regular football, Trafford moved on to Leeds United this summer, joining on a club-record deal that could be worth up to £45million. That left City needing to sign a new back-up keeper, with third-choice keeper Marcus Bettenelli not seen as a number two, but it looks as though a new stopper has been found.
Man City closing in on Rulli transfer
Lee Smith via Reuters
GIVEMESPORT understands that Man City are closing in on a deal to sign Marseille goalkeeper Rulli, It's understood the package is in the region of €2million (£1.7m) for the 34-year-old who has plenty of experience at the top level.
Rulli has spent the last two years with Marseille, making 63 league appearances after his single season at Ajax. Before that, he enjoyed a successful couple of years at Ajax under Unai Emery, serving as the Yellow Submarine's number one as they won the Europa League title and subsequently reached the Champions League semi-finals. Rulli notably scored a penalty and then saved a penalty from David De Gea in the Europa League final penalty shootout against Manchester United. The shootout saw all 11 players from each team take a spot-kick, and Rulli's heroics landed Villarreal their first-ever major European trophy.
The goalkeeper has also won the World Cup, having been in the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup, although he was second choice behind Emiliano Martinez.
Geronimo Rulli's impressive list of achievements
Europa League (Villarreal - 2020/21)
FIFA World Cup (2002 - Argentina)
Copa Ámerica (2024 - Argentina)
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (Argentina - 2022)
Europa League Team of the Season (Villarreal - 2020/21)
What to expect from Rulli at Man City
Enzo Maresca
Rulli will, of course, play a back-up role at City, but he should offer a steady pair of hands for the most part. He was described as a 'very important player' by Emery during his Villarreal days, but it must be added that he can be a little erratic.
Rulli didn't always convince at Villarreal, and his decision-making come out of his box, and indeed coming to gather balls in the air was criticised by fans at the time. He also struggled to convince at Ajax, and ultimately lost his place because of a shoulder injury, but he has enjoyed a much better time of things at Marseille, so he will arrive at City with much more confidence, and he does have a natural ability as an acrobatic shot-stopper.