Manchester City and Chelsea Enhance Their Squads Ahead of Premier League Season

As the Premier League season approaches, Manchester City and Chelsea have made strategic signings to strengthen their squads. City has re-signed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, while Chelsea has added left-back Pep Chavarria. Both players bring valuable experience and skills to their new teams. Rulli, a World Cup winner, aims to provide competition for City's first-choice keeper, while Chavarria looks to make an impact at Chelsea after a successful stint at Rayo Vallecano. The upcoming season promises to be exciting as both clubs prepare to compete at the highest level.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 23:38 IST

New Signings for Premier League Giants

London [UK], August 12: In preparation for the upcoming Premier League season, Manchester City and Chelsea have made significant additions to their rosters. The clubs confirmed the acquisitions of Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and Spanish defender Pep Chavarria on Wednesday.

Manchester City has re-signed Rulli from Olympique de Marseille on a two-year deal. The 34-year-old goalkeeper joins the squad as a seasoned backup following James Trafford's transfer to Leeds United.

Although Rulli did not make any senior appearances during his previous stint at City in the 2016-17 season, he is anticipated to offer valuable competition and support for first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Rulli expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating, "This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp. When the chance to join Manchester City comes along, you have to take it. Everyone knows what an impressive club this is."

With eight international caps for Argentina, Rulli was part of the squads that clinched the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America. His European career includes stints at Real Sociedad, Montpellier, Villarreal, and Ajax Amsterdam, where he played a crucial role in Villarreal's 2021 UEFA Europa League victory over Manchester United.

On the other hand, Chelsea has secured Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano on a contract that extends until 2031. While the financial specifics were not disclosed, reports suggest that Chelsea paid an initial fee of £16.3 million, with an additional £1.7 million possible in performance-related add-ons.

Chavarria shared his excitement about joining Chelsea, stating, "This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success."

Starting his senior career with Figueres, Olot, and Zaragoza in Spain's lower divisions, Chavarria joined Rayo Vallecano in 2022. He made 125 appearances across all competitions and played a pivotal role in Rayo's journey to the UEFA Conference League final last season.

His addition bolsters Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's options at left-back, especially following Marc Cucurella's transfer to Real Madrid. Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, will kick off their new campaign against Fulham on August 24.