Rulli 'close to joining' Manchester City after Marseille spell | OneFootball

Rulli is close to joining Manchester City nearly a decade after their first approach. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Marseille goalkeeper is nearing a move, while French outlets have echoed the story. The fee has been put at around three million euros as City seek a back-up following James Trafford's departure.

It follows a turbulent summer in 2016 when City tried to sign him, including a call from Pep Guardiola. Rulli remained with Real Sociedad.

He had spent the previous season on loan at Real Sociedad, then in December all parties committed to a permanent deal.

Real Sociedad negotiated with the Uruguayan investment fund Maldonado, acquiring 70 per cent of his rights for seven million euros. City, who were a significant participant in the fund holding Rulli's rights, held a preferential option worth 10 million euros but waived it as the player wanted to stay with Real Sociedad.

After a solid spell at Real Sociedad, Rulli spent a season on loan at Montpellier. He severed ties in September 2020 when he moved to Villarreal for about six million euros as Real Sociedad backed Remiro. He is fresh from finishing World Cup runner-up with Argentina.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”