Manchester City’s long-serving right-back and captain, Kyle Walker, has expressed his intention to leave the reigning Premier League champions in pursuit of a new challenge abroad. Manager Pep Guardiola revealed Walker’s decision following City’s dominant 8-0 victory over Salford in the FA Cup third round—a match in which the 34-year-old was absent. Walker, who joined City in 2017 for £50 million, has been instrumental in their success, collecting 15 major trophies, including six league titles.
Guardiola acknowledged that this is not the first time Walker has sought a move away from the Etihad. The defender had previously considered leaving at the start of the 2023/24 season amid strong interest from Bayern Munich. Although he ultimately stayed and signed a contract extension until 2026, the City manager revealed that Walker’s desire for a new adventure has resurfaced, signaling what could be the end of his illustrious chapter at City.
“Kyle is a unique player who has been integral to our success,” Guardiola remarked. “His abilities as a right-back gave us something extraordinary. While his contributions over the years have been unmatched, I respect his decision to explore opportunities abroad and conclude his career on a different stage.” Guardiola emphasized how pivotal Walker was during City’s Treble-winning campaign two years ago.
The England international, capped 93 times, has also been a key figure for the national team, featuring prominently in two consecutive European Championship finals. However, the current season has been less favorable for Walker, with struggles in form and fitness impacting both his personal performance and Manchester City’s campaign. The team’s disappointing run of just one win in 13 games between October and December has left them trailing in the title race and eliminated from the League Cup.
Walker’s decision marks a significant turning point for Manchester City as they face the challenge of transitioning without one of their most reliable players. Guardiola’s acknowledgment of Walker’s role underscores the defender’s importance not just as an athlete but also as a leader within the squad. With his exit looming, City will need to identify a replacement capable of filling the void left by one of their most consistent performers.
