City turns to veteran Rulli to plug goalkeeper gap after Trafford exit

Manchester City need an experienced goalkeeper after James Trafford departed for Leeds United, leaving a vacancy behind Gianluigi Donnarumma. The club, overseen by Enzo Maresca, is close to signing 34‑year‑old Argentine Gerónimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille, with a €3.5 million fee reported.

Trafford, a product of Manchester City’s academy, left the Etihad at the start of last season after losing his place to Donnarumma. Seeking regular first‑team action, he accepted Leeds United’s offer and is expected to start as the club’s number one goalkeeper. His exit also opens a potential opportunity for Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

With Donnarumma firmly entrenched as the starter, City required a seasoned backup to provide depth and mentorship. Rulli is earmarked to fill that reserve role, offering both experience and a reliable option should injuries arise.

The principle agreement between Manchester City and Olympique de Marseille includes a €3.5 million payment for Rulli, who has only one year left on his contract with the French side. If the terms are honoured, the Argentine will travel to England later this week for medical examinations and contract signing.

Rulli began his senior career at Estudiantes in Argentina before moving to Spain, where he represented Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Montpellier. He was instrumental in Villarreal’s 2020/21 Europa League triumph, saving a penalty and scoring in the shoot‑out against Manchester United. Rulli was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad as a reserve behind Emiliano Martínez.

Rulli’s departure forces Olympique de Marseille to act quickly in the goalkeeper market. The club’s primary target is Polish keeper Marcin Bulka, currently owned by Neom SC, and a loan proposal has already been submitted. Marseille has also completed the sale of defender Facundo Medina to Bayer Leverkusen, creating further room for new signings before the window closes.

Should the medicals be passed, Manchester City will have resolved the gap left by Trafford within days. Marseille, meanwhile, aims to secure Bulka to maintain stability between the posts as the transfer deadline approaches.