Man City sign Rulli for £1.7m as Maresca takes captaincy decision into his own hands
The Argentina goalkeeper returns to the Etihad a decade after his first spell to replace James Trafford. City fans may remember him for breaking United hearts in the 2021 Europa League final shootout.
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Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille for £1.7 million.
The 34-year-old returns to the Etihad, where he spent the 2016-17 season without making a first-team appearance, and has signed a two-year deal. He replaces James Trafford, who left for Leeds in a deal worth up to £45 million earlier this week, and will be understudy to number one Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City fans will know Rulli best for his role in one of United's most painful nights. Playing for Villarreal in the 2021 Europa League final, he scored his own penalty before denying David de Gea to decide the marathon shootout. He has won eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squads that won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America.
Who will be City's new captain?
Manager Enzo Maresca will make the decision himself rather than holding a squad vote, sources have told BBC Sport. He also wants an English player in the leadership group.
The captaincy became vacant after Bernardo Silva left for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. The current leadership group consists of Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri, who has been the subject of a bid from Barcelona.
Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly are the English players who could step up into the leadership committee.
Former boss Guardiola took the decision to appoint Silva as captain himself last season after saying he "didn't like what happened" when Kyle Walker asked to leave and joined AC Milan in January 2025. Maresca appears to be continuing that approach rather than reverting to a players' ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much did Manchester City pay for Geronimo Rulli?
- City agreed a fee of £1.7m to sign the 34-year-old goalkeeper from French club Marseille.
- Who is Geronimo Rulli replacing at Man City?
- Rulli joins as a replacement for James Trafford, who recently moved to Leeds United, and will serve as backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Who will be the next Manchester City captain?
- Manager Enzo Maresca will personally select the new captain following Bernardo Silva's departure, moving away from the previous player ballot system.