- Manchester City announced that Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has joined from Olympique de Marseille on a two-year contract
- Bayer Leverkusen have officially signed Facundo Medina from Olympique de Marseille on a deal running until 2031
- Rulli arrives as experienced cover with Gianluigi Donnarumma still City’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Medina departs Marseille after making only 26 appearances across all competitions.
Rulli Returns to Manchester City as Goalkeeping Cover
Manchester City have completed the signing of Geronimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille, bringing the Argentine goalkeeper back to the club on a two-year deal. The Premier League side confirmed the move on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old has been recruited following James Trafford’s departure from City to Leeds United. Rulli will provide experienced depth in goal, with Gianluigi Donnarumma remaining Manchester City’s first-choice option.
Rulli has already had a spell at Manchester City, having spent the 2016/17 season with the club, although he did not make a senior appearance during that period.
L’Olympique de Marseille annonce le transfert de Gerónimo Rulli à Manchester City 🏴
Le club remercie Gerónimo Rulli et lui souhaite le meilleur pour la suite de sa carrière. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/31bPLfzGkx
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) August 12, 2026
“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.”
International Pedigree and European Experience
Rulli has earned eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squads that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America.
His club career has taken him across several European leagues, with spells at Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Villarreal and Ajax Amsterdam. At Villarreal, he played a key role in the 2021 Europa League final victory over Manchester United.
Medina Completes Bayer Leverkusen Move
Bayer Leverkusen have officially announced the arrival of Facundo Medina from Olympique de Marseille. The 27-year-old Argentine has signed a contract that ties him to the German club until 2031.
Medina only joined Marseille last summer, arriving on loan from RC Lens in a deal that included an option to buy. When he landed in Marseille, he told local outlet La Provence that he was “coming to OM to win titles.” He now leaves without having added silverware to his trophy cabinet, amid what was described as the club’s everything must go sales pitch.
Injury-Hit Marseille Spell and Argentina Recognition
Medina’s time with Les Phocéens was disrupted by a recurring ankle injury, particularly early in the season. He made only 26 appearances across all competitions for Marseille.
Those injury issues ruled him out of all but five games for Marseille in 2025, and he played in only four of those. Once he had returned to fitness, he quickly became a regular starter in 2026.
His performances earned him a place in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Medina helped Argentina reach the final, but the tournament ended without a trophy for him.
Transfer Snapshot
| Player | Age | Nationality | Previous Club | New Club | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geronimo Rulli | 34 | Argentine | Olympique de Marseille | Manchester City | Until 2028 | Replaces James Trafford following his move to Leeds United; joins as cover with Gianluigi Donnarumma remaining first choice |
| Facundo Medina | 27 | Argentine | Olympique de Marseille | Bayer Leverkusen | Until 2031 | Made only 26 appearances across all competitions for Marseille after an injury-affected spell |
