Report: City’s Club World Cup Goalkeeper Hunt | OneFootball

Manchester City Bolster Ranks with Bettinelli Pursuit

Manchester City are understood to be making significant strides in their efforts to secure Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper, Marcus Bettinelli. This move comes as the reigning Premier League champions bid farewell to a popular figure in their dressing room, veteran shot-stopper Scott Carson. Sources indicate that the 33-year-old Bettinelli has been identified as the ideal profile to complement Ederson in the goalkeeping department, with a deal hoped to be finalised before the impending Club World Cup registration deadline.

The impending signing of Bettinelli, for what is expected to be a modest fee, highlights City’s strategic approach to squad building this summer. While attention has naturally gravitated towards high-profile acquisitions such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, the addition of a reliable, homegrown keeper like Bettinelli addresses crucial squad requirements for both Premier League and Champions League quotas.

A Familiar Face Departs

The departure of Scott Carson marks the end of an era at the Etihad Stadium. Having initially arrived on loan in 2019 before making the move permanent, Carson has been a consistent, albeit rarely seen, presence within the Manchester City setup for six seasons. Despite making only a handful of competitive appearances, including a Champions League outing in 2023 that saw him collect a winner’s medal, his contribution extended far beyond the pitch.

Carson’s influence as a back-up and a positive force within the squad has often been lauded by his teammates and staff. His self-awareness and dedication to the collective were evident in a rare interview back in 2021: “I’ve loved every minute of it. Obviously, in my head and all through my career, I’ve wanted to play, and coming here, I knew that wasn’t going to be the case. And I knew it was going to be very difficult to play any games.” This sentiment underscores the value he brought, not through minutes played, but through his unwavering commitment and character.

Bettinelli’s Journey to City

Marcus Bettinelli’s path to potentially joining Manchester City has been one of perseverance. Despite four seasons at Stamford Bridge, his solitary competitive outing for Chelsea came in an FA Cup tie against Chesterfield in 2022. However, his standing within the game is far from that of a forgotten man. He is widely recognised by managers for his professionalism and his ability to push his fellow goalkeepers in training, a quality highly prized by top clubs.

Prior to his spell at Chelsea, Bettinelli was a regular feature for Fulham, showcasing his capabilities on a consistent basis. His strong performances even earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in 2018, an indication of the potential and pedigree he possesses, despite remaining uncapped at senior international level. His homegrown status is, as mentioned, a significant benefit for Manchester City as they navigate complex registration rules.

Strategic Planning for Manchester City

The pursuit of Marcus Bettinelli underscores Manchester City’s meticulous planning as they prepare for a demanding season, including the forthcoming Club World Cup. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s recent admission regarding the club’s past passive approach in the transfer market, and the subsequent impact, appears to have spurred a more proactive strategy this summer.

Securing key additions early, even those seemingly less high-profile like a third-choice goalkeeper, ensures the squad is well-equipped and settled for the challenges ahead. This timely acquisition would allow City to fully register their squad for the Club World Cup, an important competition as they seek to add further silverware to their illustrious trophy cabinet. The emphasis on strengthening all areas, from the frontline to the crucial goalkeeping unit, signals City’s intent to maintain their competitive edge at the very pinnacle of English and European football.