Former West Brom and Aston Villa signing a free agent following Premier League release

Former West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson will become a free agent this summer after Manchester City confirmed his release.

The 39-year-old has not been offered a new contract by the Cityzens and he will depart the Etihad Stadium on June 30 after making just two competitive appearances in six years. Despite featuring merely twice and averaging just 17.8 minutes per season he was at the club, Carson rather incredibly leaves City with 11 trophies to his name.

The four-time former England international joined City from Derby County in 2019, initially on loan, before arriving permanently on a free transfer. Albeit very much an emergency backup who was hardly used, Carson was an important figure in the dressing room and helped develop other goalkeepers at the club, much to the delight of Pep Guardiola.

It awaits to be seen if Carson will hang up his gloves following his City departure as he is yet to communicate any decision about his future. There would probably be suitors given his vast experience, though his lack of match sharpness and practice for so many years will probably be a concern for any clubs taking a look.

West Brom and Villa fans will remember Carson fondly as he played for both clubs earlier in his career. The goalkeeper’s first move to the West Midlands was to Villa as he spent the 2007/08 season on loan from Liverpool, making 35 appearances, conceding 45 goals and keeping nine clean sheets. He then joined West Brom for £3.5 million immediately after his Villa spell and spent three seasons at The Hawthorns, keeping 25 clean sheets in 118 matches.

West Brom eyeing huge squad overhaul

Following the arrival of new head coach Ryan Mason, West Brom are eager to overhaul their squad, with the recruitment team keenrto bolster several key positions. Grady Diangana, John Swift and Semi Ajayi will need to be replaced as they are leaving at the end of their contracts, whereas academy product Tom Fellows could secure a move to the Premier League amid strong interest.

That would mean signing players in at least the left wing, attacking midfield, right wing and centre-back spots – and that’s without considering other areas that clearly needed strengthening during the season just gone. Albion may consider signing a new goalkeeper following Alex Palmer’s exit, another left-back is desired, depth is a necessity at centre-back and more bite is needed in midfield.

Aston Villa likely to be equally as busy

Just like the Baggies, Villa have lots of work to do this summer. The first task is to address the club’s PSR concerns before the June 30 deadline and then Unai Emery will take a closer look at several key areas of the squad. A goalkeeper may need to be signed to replace Emiliano Martinez, a new left winger is a necessity, a second striker is desired, another talented central midfielder is preferred and a fresh option on the right flank may be targeted.