Manchester City entered the recently concluded summer transfer window with one of the busiest recruitment drives across Europe.
The Premier League giants bolstered almost every department, adding quality and depth with experienced signings.
However, despite their strategic planning, one deal has sparked heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Rayan Cherki arrived from Olympique Lyonnaise, Tijjani Reijnders joined from AC Milan, while James Trafford was brought back from Burnley to reinforce the squad. Rayan Aït-Nouri also signed after bidding farewell to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
To complete a hectic summer, City added Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli to their goalkeeping department.
While the majority of these moves have been welcomed as necessary additions, it is Bettinelli’s transfer that has left supporters scratching their heads.
Signing Marcus Bettinelli Was Pointless Decision
According to The Athletic, Man City sign most ‘unnecessary’ player in Marcus Bettinelli, calling the decision “pointless.”
The criticism comes as the former Chelsea goalkeeper struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge, making just a single competitive appearance in four years.
The outlet ranked Bettinelli 155th out of 155 players who moved during the summer window, writing:
“Made one appearance in four years at Chelsea. Will be lucky if he matches that at City, where he is behind several goalkeepers in the Scott Carson role – a ceremonial position that could be filled by the Honey Monster if required.”
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Such a damning verdict has amplified debate among City’s fanbase. Some have even branded it “the worst signing ever” under Pep Guardiola’s tenure, insisting that the deal brings no competitive advantage.
City’s Goalkeeping Overhaul Raises Eyebrows
The signing of Bettinelli comes during a summer where City completely restructured their goalkeeping department.
In response, City moved quickly to secure Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, with the 26-year-old expected to challenge James Trafford for the starting role.
Stefan Ortega remains at the Etihad Stadium for now, but uncertainty surrounds his future, as several Bundesliga clubs are monitoring his situation.
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This leaves Bettinelli as, at best, the fourth-choice option, far behind Donnarumma, Trafford, and Ortega in Guardiola’s pecking order.
For now, Bettinelli appears destined for the role once occupied by veteran Scott Carson — a respected presence in the dressing room but largely invisible on the pitch.
