Chelsea have completed the signing of free agent Marcus Bettinelli after the goalkeeper contract with Fulham expired earlier this summer.
The 29-year-old graduated from Cottagers’ academy back in 2010 and made 120 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Welcome, Marcus! ? pic.twitter.com/YSQ2OtlQtr
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 28 July 2021
The arrival of Alphonse Areola last summer saw Bettinelli on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough, and after deciding not to renew his contract with the West London club when he returned to Fulham, he has now secured a transfer to neighbors Chelsea.
The Blues wrote on their official website: “Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has joined Chelsea Football Club today. Bettinelli arrives after being without a contract at Fulham, and he will add strength to our goalkeeper resources after Willy Caballero’s departure.”
Bettinelli claimed that it was a dream for him to move to Chelsea – a dream that seemed to come true a few years ago before a move failed to materialize – and that he appreciates the opportunity to help the team.
“It has always been a special club,” he said. “I know the area very well so it has been a dream for me to come over to this site and it has finally happened. There were some conversations a few years ago when I was a little younger and for some reason did not come but I is here now.
“I am very happy to be involved and look forward to trying to impress and help the team as much as I can.”
Although he has twice helped Fulham achieve the promotion from the championship, Bettinelli has not yet had a crack in life in the Premier League – he has so far only made seven top appearances.
While the England U21 international with a cap starts as a back-up for Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, he hopes to finally get his chance to impress in the Premier League.
