'Ready to perform' - Hugo Viana welcomes second Man City signing
Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli to replace the outgoing Scott Carson as their summer business continues
Marcus Bettinelli hopes to help Manchester City on the pitch and in the dressing room after signing from Chelsea for a nominal fee. The 33-year-old joins on a one-year deal to replace the outgoing Scott Carson as third-choice goalkeeper.
Carson has departed after six years at the Etihad, leaving a big hole in the dressing room despite making just two senior appearances for the club. He was described by striker Erling Haaland as somebody that every squad needs.
City have moved quickly to fill the gap, bringing in former Fulham stopper Bettinelli from Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup. He becomes their second signing following the completion of a deal for Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Speaking on his arrival, Bettinelli said: “It’s an honour to sign for City. I have admired from afar what this club have achieved since Pep Guardiola arrived and now I am excited to be a part of building on that success.
“I can’t wait to work with Pep, Xabi Mancisidor and the excellent goalkeepers already here and see their methods up close. Hopefully I can contribute in training, the dressing room and on the pitch as we look to win more silverware over the next year.”
The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world's best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13.
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Bettinelli adds to what has been a productive window for sporting directors Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana. Four new signings are expected to be part of the squad in time for the Club World Cup and Bettinelli's homegrown status means that City will not see those numbers reduce with Carson's exit.
“We’re really pleased that we’ll be adding Marcus to our squad this summer," said Viana. “He’s been in the Premier League for a long time and will bolster what is already a strong goalkeeping unit.
“His experience and mentality will hopefully complement our other senior goalkeepers while ensuring he’s always ready to perform when called upon himself.”
City are still to announce deals for Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders ahead of the 7pm deadline for the transfer window closes, but there are not understood to be any issues with either move.
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