Manchester City have signed Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from French club Olympique de Marseille on a two-year contract, the Premier League champions confirmed on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old arrives at the Manchester City squad as a replacement for James Trafford, who recently left the club to join Leeds United.

Rulli is returning to the Etihad after previously spending the 2016/17 season with City. However, he did not make a senior appearance during his first spell at the club.

The experienced goalkeeper is expected to provide competition and cover, with Gianluigi Donnarumma remaining City’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said in a club statement.

“When the chance to join Manchester City comes along, you have to take it. Everyone knows what an impressive club this is.”

Rulli has earned eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also helped the national team win the 2024 Copa America.

Rulli’s European career

The goalkeeper has enjoyed an extensive career across Europe, representing Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Villarreal, Ajax Amsterdam and Marseille.

One of the highlights of his club career came during his time at Villarreal, when he played a crucial role in their 2021 UEFA Europa League triumph.

Rulli saved David de Gea’s penalty in the decisive shootout as Villarreal defeated Manchester United to lift the trophy.

The move back to Manchester gives Rulli another opportunity to compete at the highest level, with the Argentine now set to begin his second spell with Manchester City.