- Scott Carson, 39, last played a game for Man City in the 2021-22 campaign
- Carson signed on an intial two-year loan before a further four years followed
- LISTEN: Was ‘Fergie Time’ real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail’s brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers
Scott Carson will leave Manchester City at the end of the month following the expiry of his contract, and a replacement is already reportedly being lined up.
The 39-year-old has spent six years at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola’s third-choice goalkeeper and was seen as a valuable asset to the squad as he aided both Ederson and Stefan Ortega in training.
Despite over half a decade on the blue half of Manchester, Carson only made two appearances for City, with his debut coming in 2021 in a victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The veteran stopper also starred in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon during the 2021-22 campaign but has not taken to the pitch in the three years that have passed since.
Carson may not have notched up many appearances, but his impact on an era at City littered with silverware is still very much appreciated.
‘During his time at City, Carson has been praised by goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor and peers Ederson and Stefan Ortega Moreno for his work ethic and the effect of his positive attitude amongst the group,’ read a statement on the Man City website.
Scott Carson will leave Manchester City have just two appearances in six years at the club
Carson won a total of 11 trophies while at City, one for every 9.8 minutes of game time he notched up
It has been reported that City are eyeing up Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli as a replacement
‘He has been part of a squad that has lifted 11 major honours over the last six seasons during what has been a historic period of success for Pep Guardiola’s team.
‘Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Scott for his hard work and dedication and wish him the very best of luck for the future.’
Carson’s 108 minutes of football while at the Etihad mean that he won a trophy for every 9.8 minutes he was on the pitch in a City shirt.
The eight-time Premier League champions are moving quickly to find a replacement for Carson, and have set their sights on Chelsea back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, according to the Telegraph.
Bettinelli plays a supporting role at Stamford Bridge, featuring just once in four seasons at the club, and would be expected to work in a similar capacity in Manchester.
The 33-year-old is the fourth player that Guardiola and Co have shown strong interest in, with the wheels in motion to seal deals for Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders.
However, City have not yet made their move for Bettinelli, who has just one year left on his deal at Chelsea, and it is yet to be seen if they will ahead of the Club World Cup which starts next week.
City are inching closer to signing Wolves defender Ait-Nouri for £33.7million, and he was seen leaving his medical tests on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Cherki, who is set to cost Guardiola’s side £35m, has already agreed personal terms and wants to join City before Tuesday’s deadline for the Club World Cup.
City will also sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders pending a medical on a five-year deal after they agreed an initial £46.3million fee with the Italians. The fee can rise with bonuses to £58m.
