Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will not be pushing for a direct Kyle Walker replacement in the ongoing transfer window.
According to a report from Football Insider, Kyle Walker is expected to be on the move this month. Even if the Manchester City skipper does end up leaving the club, the Premier League champions won’t go for a direct replacement as they have other priorities for this window.
Walker informed Guardiola of his desire to leave and try a new challenge in a different country in the final years of his career. Manchester City are ready to respect his decision and they are ready to sanction his departure.
The 34-year-old joined them back in the summer of 2017, and he has been integral to all the success they have had over the years. During his time at the club, Kyle Walker has won six league titles as well as the Champions League.
While he still has around 18 months left on his deal, the English international wants to try a new challenge, and there is no shortage of interest in his services. His departure will be a massive blow for City as they will lose out on one of their most experienced players.
But, Walker’s departure will not change Manchester City’s plans for this window, and they are not looking to bring in a direct replacement. Rico Lewis, who has replaced Walker in the starting XI on quite a few occasions this season, will be promoted to a bigger role, and the incoming Abdukodir Khusanov could also be asked to feature on the right side of the defence.
A free transfer to AC Milan?
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester City are ready to let Kyle Walker leave for free as a sign of respect for all that he has done for the club. Meanwhile, the English international seems to be keen on a move to AC Milan as his agents have already informed the Italian club that the 34-year-old is up for grabs on a free transfer.
Walker seeks a contract until the summer of 2027, and it will be interesting to see if the Serie A giants are willing to offer that long a contract to someone, who will turn 35 in four months time. One thing is certain, his arrival will add a lot of experience, and his ability to feature in central defence as well as out wide on the right will come in handy.
