World champion from FC Villarreal
The first version of the article appeared on Thursday afternoon and has now been updated following Ajax’s confirmation of the transfer
Ajax Amsterdam strengthen themselves with a world champion in the winter break and spend more money on a goalkeeper than at any time in the club’s history. Gerónimo Rulli, Argentinian professional of Villarreal FC, traveled to the Netherlands on Thursday to complete the medical check and then sign a contract, according to consistent reports from César Luis Merlo, “Voetbal International” and Fabrizio Romano. On Friday, Ajax confirmed Rulli’s commitment until June 30, 2026.
Ajax have confirmed the transfer fee for the 30-year-old at 8 million euros, which can be increased by 2 million more with bonuses. It was previously said that up to 15 million could flow. Ajax’s most expensive goalkeeper transfer to date dates back more than a decade when the then 22-year-old Jasper Cillessen joined for €3.23m from NEC, where he plays again today.
Rulli in 4th place: The most expensive goalkeepers in the Eredivisie
Rulli, a substitute for Emiliano Martínez in the Albiceleste squad, was under contract at Villarreal until 2024. The Spaniards signed him in 2020 for 5 million euros from league rivals Real Sociedad. Before that he played for Montpellier HSC and was, albeit without an assignment, under contract with Manchester City. At Ajax, Rulli should initiate the transition in the goal between the old generation Remko Pasveer (39) and Maarten Stekelenburg (40) and the new one around Jay Gorter (22) or the youth players around Tom de Graaff (18) and Paul Reverson (17). Gorter could be loaned out for match practice.
bienvenido, @GeroRulli!
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 6, 2023
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