Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer. The goalkeeper was available as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Fulham
Chelsea Sign Marcus Bettinelli
Marcus Bettinelli Joins the Blues as their Third-Choice Goalkeeper
Chelsea have signed 29-year-old goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer. The shot-stopper has signed a two-year deal with the Blues, that will keep him at the club until 2023. The goalkeeper will replace Willy Caballero as the third-choice keeper in the Chelsea squad after the Blues opted against extending the contract of the Argentine.
Bettinelli started his career with London rivals Fulham. The goalkeeper spent his entire career, before the Chelsea move, as a Fulham player. Bettinelli made his debut for Fulham during the 2014/15 Championship campaign. The keeper had spent the first two seasons as a professional on loan with Dartford and Accrington Stanley respectively before making his Craven Cottage debut.
The former England U21 international was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Cottagers in his first season. However, a knee injury saw Bettinelli miss almost six months and his place in the starting lineup had gone. Almost out of favour, Bettinelli spent the last season on loan with Middlesbrough. The goalkeeper finally left the club this year after the expiry of his contract. In 15 years with Fulham, Bettinelli made 120 appearances for the Cottagers.
What Was Said
Speaking to the club website, Bettinelli said: “It’s always been a special club. I know the area very well so it’s been a dream of mine to come over to this side and it’s finally happened.
“There were some talks a few years ago when I was a bit younger and for whatever reason that didn’t come about but I’m here now. I’m really excited to be involved and looking forward to trying to impress and help the team as much as I can.”
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