Manchester City Close In on Gerónimo Rulli as Personal Terms Agreed

Manchester City are advancing toward signing Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli this summer, with the Argentine having already agreed personal terms with the Premier League club.

The push for a new stopper is directly tied to James Trafford’s departure to Leeds United, which leaves a vacancy in the squad that City are moving to fill with the 34-year-old.

Rulli Agrees Personal Terms

Journalist Uriel Iugt reported on X that Rulli has agreed to a two-year contract with City. The deal only activates once the English club reach a fee agreement with Marseille, and those club-to-club negotiations are currently ongoing.

City Table €2m Bid, Gap Remains

Foot Mercato reports that Rulli is ‘on his way’ to the Etihad, with the keeper eager to make the move. City have submitted a €2m offer while Marseille are holding out for €3.5m. Transfermarkt values the goalkeeper at €6m, so both bids sit well below that figure. Despite the gap, the tone from both parties is described as positive, and there is confidence the transfer will be completed during this window.

Tottenham Hotspur had been floated as a possible destination for Rulli last month, but Spurs made no concrete moves. City stepped in and have since driven the process forward.

Backup Role at the Etihad

Rulli joined Marseille from Ajax in August 2024 and served as their first-choice keeper, recording 14 clean sheets and conceding 99 goals across 73 appearances in all competitions. At City, he would slot in as backup to No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma. That reduced role does not appear to be a deterrent for the Argentine, who is said to be keen on the switch.

Key Transfer Points

• Trafford’s exit to Leeds United triggers City’s search for a goalkeeper
• Rulli has agreed a two-year personal deal, pending a club agreement
• City’s €2m bid falls short of Marseille’s €3.5m asking price
• Negotiations are progressing, with confidence the deal gets done

Read also: Phil Foden Signs New Manchester City Deal Through 2030

Follow TipsGG for the latest updates as this transfer moves toward a conclusion.