Marcus Bettinelli Joins Man City from Chelsea in Unexpected Move
Man City have surprised fans by confirming the signing of experienced goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea as part of their summer signings.
The 33-year-old joins Pep Guardiola’s squad before the Club World Cup, as announced on the club’s official website.
City Add Bettinelli to Their Goalkeeper Line-Up
Bettinelli only made one senior appearance for Chelsea during his four years at Stamford Bridge. He acted as the third-choice keeper after his move from Fulham on a free transfer in 2021.
The veteran keeper once played for England’s Under-21 side and built his reputation in the Championship while playing for Fulham and later Middlesbrough.
His only game for Chelsea was during a 5-1 FA Cup win over Chesterfield in the third round of the 2022 competition under Thomas Tuchel.
This signing surprised many because Bettinelli acted as backup to Robert Sanchez and Philip Jorgensen last season under Enzo Maresca.
Now, he gets the chance to work with Guardiola and City’s new coaching team during a fresh rebuild. Bettinelli will fly with the squad to the United States for the Club World Cup, filling the spot left by Scott Carson after his departure.
Bettinelli Shares Thoughts on Joining Man City
Marcus Bettinelli said during City’s announcement: “I feel proud to sign for City. I always watched what this club did since Pep Guardiola arrived, and I’m excited to be part of that success now.
“I’m looking forward to learning from Guardiola, Xavi Manciedad, and our top keepers. I hope I can support the team in training, the dressing room, and even on the pitch if needed as we go for more trophies.”
Hugo Viana, City’s new football director, said: “We’re happy Marcus joined our squad this summer. He’s spent years in the Premier League and adds strength to our strong goalkeeper group.”
He added: “His experience and mindset will boost the squad, and he’ll be ready if needed.”
Bettinelli’s Long Spell Without First-Team Football
Bettinelli hasn’t played for the first team since that FA Cup match against Chesterfield in January 2022.
Once seen as a future England regular, Bettinelli has not played a Premier League game for almost eight years. His last one was against Cardiff in October 2018 with Fulham, where he conceded four goals in a 4-2 defeat.
Unless both Ederson and Stefan Ortega suffer injuries, Bettinelli likely won’t see first-team minutes, but he brings much-needed experience to City’s goalkeeper options.
