Walker asks to leave Man City with immediate effect as he wishes to play abroad, says manager Pep Guardiola.
Walker asks to explore the possibility of a move abroad, a decision potentially ending seven supremely successful years at Manchester City.
Walker was left out of Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Salford City by Pep Guardiola. When questioned about why he made the request public.
“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.”
It is unclear if Walker will play for City while the window is open if there isn’t a deal coming up. He last played as a substitute in last weekend’s 4-1 Premier League triumph over West Ham at the Etihad.
Many suitors on the continent, as well as possibly in Saudi Arabia and the US, will be alerted by Walker’s determination to look for a club overseas. Due to his advanced age and the fact that his contract expires in the summer of 2026, the defender will only require a little transfer fee.
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.