Kyle Walker has asked to explore the possibility of a move abroad, a decision potentially ending seven supremely successful years at Manchester City for the captain.
Pep Guardiola left the 34-year-old out of Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup third-round win against Salford City. When asked why he revealed Walker’s request.
“It’s not easy for me to say because I shouldn’t tell, but he’s not here,” the manager said. “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad. He asked [too] after the treble [in 2023] – Bayern [Munich] wanted him but the offer was not good enough. We cannot understand the club’s success over the past years without Kyle. It’s impossible.”
Walker made his request to Txiki Begiristain, City’s sporting director. “He went to Txiki,” said Guardiola. “I left him out for that reason. I prefer to play other players whose mind is here. Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no one in our job that [can play their best] if they don’t want to be here – can’t perform. Maybe I’m not right.
“He asked to explore, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know. I respect him a lot because I’m more than grateful for what he has done for us since he has been here many years. He’s been important [too] for the national team. He said: ‘I want to explore, my mind and my heart [says this].’ But I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Should no move occur imminently, whether Walker plays for City while the window remains open remains to be seen. His previous appearance was as a substitute in the 4-1 Premier League victory over West Ham at the Etihad last weekend.
Walker’s decision to seek a club abroad will alert numerous suitors on the continent and perhaps in Saudi Arabia and the US. The defender’s age plus his contract running only until the summer of 2026 means his transfer fee will be modest. Milan are understood to be interested.
Since joining from Tottenham in July 2017 for £45m, Walker has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
