Gero Rulli, the Argentine goalkeeper, is moving on from Villarreal to Ajax Amsterdam in a transfer confirmed by the Dutch club. The deal places Rulli in a new chapter after a significant spell with the Spanish side, where he grew into a reliable presence between the sticks and helped shape Villarreal’s competitive edge in European play. The transfer agreement centers on a price tag near eight million euros, with additional conditions that could add to the total, depending on future performance and milestones. This structured move is designed to align with Ajax’s ongoing strategy of bolstering goalkeeping depth while maintaining the club’s ambitious standards in both domestic competitions and continental fixtures.
Rulli departs Villarreal after two and a half seasons with the team, leaving at a high point in his form and with a record of consistent contributions when called upon. Throughout his time at the club, he demonstrated a calm command of the penalty area, precise distribution, and a readiness to step up in high-pressure moments. As the move unfolds, Villarreal confirms the departure at a moment when the squad continues to pursue its objectives in La Liga and in European competition, trusting in the next-generation keepers to fill the gap left behind by the outgoing shot-stopper.
The Argentine goalkeeper is fondly remembered by Villarreal supporters for a defining moment that underscored his impact on the club. He identified and stopped a decisive penalty that secured Villarreal’s first major trophy in 2021, during the Europa League final against Manchester United in Gdansk. That save is cited as a benchmark in the club’s history, illustrating Rulli’s ability to rise to the occasion in the most consequential situations and to contribute to a historic achievement for Villarreal fans and the club alike.
Over the course of his Villarreal tenure, Rulli tallied eighty official appearances, comprising forty-eight league fixtures, twelve Champions League appearances, thirteen Europa League outings, and seven in the Copa del Rey. His presence added depth to the squad’s rotation and offered the team a dependable option who could adapt to various tactical setups under different coaching regimes. The transition away from Villarreal marks the end of an era for the player and a new challenge in the Netherlands emerges as Ajax seeks to continue competing at high levels domestically and abroad.
With Rulli’s departure, Villarreal confirms that there will be no immediate arrival of another first-choice goalkeeper during this phase. The club continues to rely on Pepe Reina to anchor the goalkeeper department, maintaining leadership and experience within the squad. Filip Jørgensen has also been positioned as the second-choice keeper, ensuring a continued balance of seasoned leadership and emerging talent at the back. The situation reflects Villarreal’s broader strategy of building continuity and preparing for the long season ahead, while Ajax’s recruitment signals a renewed commitment to enhancing its own goalkeeping options as part of a competitive push in all competitions.