Former Arsenal star Paul Merson expresses surprise at how little Manchester City defensive mainstay Kyle Walker cost AC Milan.
Kyle Walker recently completed a mid-season move to AC Milan. The English international was keen on trying a new challenge away from Premier League giants Manchester City, and he ended up joining the Italian outfit.
The Englishman has joined the Serie A outfit on an initial loan deal until the end of the season. But, there is a bargain purchase clause worth just £4 million, which suggests that Walker will continue in Milan for the time being.
Paul Merson’s take on Walker’s move to Milan
While the English defensive star is in the twilight of his career, Paul Merson was still left surprised by how little his transfer has cost the Italian giants.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Arsenal midfielder said via The Sun, “I don’t think Kyle Walker could play every game at the moment, but he could still do a job. For me, for the sake of the fee of £4m, the vets team I used to play for would have bought him for that.”
Kyle Walker might not have started every game for Manchester City in the first half of the season, but he was still a very important member of Pep Guardiola’s team. The Premier League champions would have loved to have him around for the second half of the season.
But, the veteran English full-back informed the club about his desire to leave and they decided to let him go as a sign of respect for all that he has done for them since joining them from Tottenham back in 2017. As soon as the 34-year-old was on the market, AC Milan were one of the quickest to react.
AC Milan sign Kyle Walker for a bargain fee
AC Milan were looking to strengthen their backline with an experienced campaigner, and Walker was a perfect fit as he could contribute in central defence as well as out wide on the right. After long-drawn negotiations with Manchester City, Milan managed to secure his services on a free loan deal until the end of the season.
There is a purchase clause worth just £4 million, which will most likely be triggered to make the move permanent in the summer. Merson was surprised to see that Manchester City had let go of one of their most important and experienced stars for so little.
While the English international can no longer start every game, the Arsenal icon feels he could do a great job for Milan and that they have managed to sign him at an absolute bargain price. While the cost of the transfer is minimal, the Italian giants will be paying a big chunk of his £150,000-a-week weekly wage.
