Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has confirmed that club captain Kyle Walker has expressed his desire to leave the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window. This revelation comes after a season where Walker's role has diminished, leading him to consider a fresh challenge abroad as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
Transfer Speculation and Walker’s History at City
The 34-year-old England international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation over the past two years. Both Bayern Munich and the Saudi Pro League have made moves to sign Walker in the past, and although he turned down a switch to the Bundesliga in 2023, he opted to sign a new contract with Manchester City until 2026. Walker also succeeded Ilkay Gundogan as the club’s captain following their treble-winning season.
However, his first-team appearances have been limited this season. Walker has started just 11 matches for Manchester City, and he was notably absent from the squad during the Blues' dominant 8-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup third round. His last start came in mid-December, when City suffered a disappointing 1-2 loss at home to rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.
Guardiola Reflects on Walker’s Impact at City
Pep Guardiola expressed his gratitude for Walker’s contributions to the club. Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Walker has made over 300 appearances and won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking about the situation, Guardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle [Walker] asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. He asked two years ago after the Treble. Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough. I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this? We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.”
Guardiola continued, acknowledging that while the club respects Walker’s decision, his departure would be a significant change. “He went to the club. I’m pretty convinced that there is no one person in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are and can perform. He’s asking to explore [his options] so it may not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I respect a lot.”
He further expressed his admiration for Walker’s loyalty, saying: “I am more than grateful for what he has done for many years for us. He arrived eight years ago with us and we started to win, win, win, win, and he has been important for the national team and of course with our team. But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart and wants to explore it. Honestly? I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Manchester City’s Transfer Plans
As Walker considers his future, Manchester City is looking to bolster their defense. The club is reportedly close to completing the signing of Lens star Abdukodir Khusanov and is also in talks to secure Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. However, the Brazilian club has expressed a desire to keep the teenager for the FIFA Club World Cup, which may delay the potential deal.
As Walker's future at Manchester City remains uncertain, the club faces a pivotal moment in their transfer plans, balancing potential departures with new arrivals to maintain their competitive edge.