West Cumbrian Scott Carson may be looking to extend his career after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season.
The 39-year-old from Cleator Moor initially joined City in the summer of 2019 on loan before signing for the club permanently, becoming a respected figure behind the scenes and playing a prominent role within Pep Guardiola’s dressing room.
While his on-pitch contributions were limited, his influence in the first-team squad and mentorship of younger players earned him consistent praise from staff, including Guardiola, and team-mates alike.
Despite only making a handful of appearances, Carson was a mainstay during City’s most successful era ever, collecting numerous major trophies including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
The former England international’s leadership and professionalism were seen as vital by Guardiola, who repeatedly referred to him as a key member of his squad, even if he rarely featured on the pitch.
The City boss famously said: “The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room and on the pitch.
“It would be better than being with me. If they spend a lot of time [with him], listen to him and pay attention, that is the best advice and learning they can get about their future careers.”
With his one-year deal expiring at the end of the 2024/25 season City officials chose not to renew his contract, allowing the iconic third-choice shot-stopper to leave as a free agent and be replaced by Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli earlier this summer.
Now it is strongly being suggested that the 39-year-old is looking to add to the 500-plus professional appearances across spells with Leeds United, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, Derby County, and others.
Championship clubs in particular may be drawn to Carson’s wealth of experience, leadership, and reliability, while his fitness levels remain strong and any deal would likely be cost-effective for sides seeking a short-term solution between the posts or an experienced back-up to guide a younger keeper.
