Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window and explore new options. City manager Pep Guardiola in his press conference revealed “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 explained that Walker's choice to leave was the key reason for his absence as City secured a commanding 8-0 victory over Salford. In Walker’s place, youngsters Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Nico O'Reilly featured at centre-back, while Matheus Nunes filled in at right wing-back
Which clubs are bidding for Walker's service
The 34-year-old defender not only lost his place in the playing XI but has only made nine starts in 15 Premier League matches with Guardiola favouring Rico Lewis for the right-back position.
Italian ginats AC Milan have now opened talks to sign the right back. According to The Telegraph, Milan are confident of finalizing a deal to bring the seasoned defender to San Siro with City have yet to receive a formal bid. Walker has attracted interest from other clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Manchester City’s january Transfer Plans
Walker has won 17 trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League, since arriving from Tottenham in 2017. With Walker deciding to leave the club, Manchester City is looking to bolster their defense.
The club is reportedly close to signing 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.
