Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that experienced defender Kyle Walker has made a transfer request to the club.
The City skipper was left out of their 8-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. Instead, youngsters Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Nico O’Reilly started at center-back, while Matheus Nunes filled in at right wing-back.
Walker has come under heavy criticism as the Cityzens have struggled in defence this season. The 34-year-old has seen his playing time diminish, with only nine starts in 15 league appearances, as Rico Lewis has been preferred at right-back in recent weeks.
Despite being under contract until June 2026, Walker was close to joining Bayern Munich in 2023 before ultimately reaffirming his commitment to City. Nonetheless, the England international has remained subject to speculation, with interest reportedly coming from AC Milan, Saudi Pro League clubs, and MLS teams.
When asked about Walker’s absence after City’s thumping victory, Guardiola responded: “He asked two years ago after the treble, Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.
“In his mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country to play the last years, for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose minds are here.”
Guardiola however used the opportunity to sing the praises of the English defender who joined City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
“We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible,” Guardiola said reflecting on Walker’s remarkable contributions for Manchester City.
“Having a right-back like him gave us something that we didn’t have, and he has been amazing. But he said he wanted, in mind and heart, to explore it.
“I respect him a lot because I’m more than grateful since he has been many years for us. He’s been important for the national team and important for our team.”
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