Is Kyle Walker Leaving Man City? Why is He Leaving?
by Harini
Updated Jun 29, 2023
Is Kyle Walker Leaving Man City?
According to a report by Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is reportedly a permanent move to Bayern Munich Advanced talks are said to be taking place between Walker and the German champions.
Walker, who has spent six years at Man City, expressed his desire to leave the club following a challenging season where he struggled to secure regular playing time under manager Pep Guardiola. Notably, he was not included in the starting lineup for the Champions League final victory against Internazionale, with Manuel Akanji being preferred over him. This situation has made Walker open to exploring other options.
While Manchester City and Bayern Munich have yet to reach an agreement, all parties involved are optimistic that a deal can be finalized. The influence of Bayern's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has been significant in convincing Walker to consider joining the Bavarian club. Manchester City, as the Premier League champions, will likely be eager to offload Walker this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year, especially considering he has only one year remaining on his current contract.
Previously, there were rumors linking Walker with a return to his childhood club, Sheffield United. However, the chances of this transfer seem unlikely as Sheffield United cannot offer Champions League football, which is an attractive prospect for the player. Walker's fitness was a topic of discussion when he was left on the bench for the Champions League final against Internazionale. However, Guardiola clarified that Walker was fit to play if needed and the decision was based on the tactical system the team intended to employ.
Guardiola also emphasized the importance of using the experience gained from their loss to Chelsea in the Champions League final two years ago. He stated that the key to winning the upcoming match lies in approaching it with a focused football mentality, controlling emotions, and maintaining stability throughout the game.
Who is Kyle Walker?
Kyle Andrew Walker, born on May 28, 1990, is a highly regarded English professional footballer who currently serves as a right-back for the prominent Premier League club Manchester City, as well as the England national team. Recognized as one of the premier full-backs in the world, Walker is admired for his exceptional speed, physicality, and excellent vision on the field.
Walker embarked on his football journey at the age of seven, joining his beloved childhood club Sheffield United. After a productive loan stint at Northampton Town, he made his first-team debut at the tender age of 18. Walker's performances caught the attention of many, and he notably featured in the 2009 Championship play-off final.
His impressive displays prompted a move to the prestigious Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, where he was subsequently loaned back to Sheffield United. Following successful loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, Walker firmly established himself in Tottenham's starting lineup.
In 2017, Walker made a high-profile transfer to Manchester City, commanding a fee of £45 million. Since joining City, he has amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and a coveted UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023, contributing to a memorable continental treble for the club. Walker's outstanding performances have earned him recognition, with three appearances in the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year in the 2011-12, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.
On the international stage, Walker has represented England at various levels, starting with the under-19 and under-21 teams. He made his debut for the senior national team in September 2011, marking the beginning of his illustrious international career. Walker has proudly represented England in two UEFA European Championships, in 2016 and 2020, as well as two FIFA World Cups, in 2018 and 2022, showcasing his talent and commitment to his country's footballing aspirations.
Kyle Walker Age
Kyle Walker, born on May 28, 1990, in Sheffield, United Kingdom, is currently 33 years old. As a football player, reaching this stage in his career signifies a valuable blend of experience and athleticism. Throughout his journey, Walker's passion for football and determination to succeed has been evident from an early age.
His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication propelled him to join top-tier clubs and represent his country at the international level. With each passing year, Walker has honed his skills, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations and making significant contributions to his team's success.
Entering his early thirties, Walker's age brings a maturity that complements his physical abilities on the field. Known for his speed, agility, and tactical awareness, he remains a formidable force in the game.
The combination of his youthful energy and seasoned decision-making makes him a vital asset to his team, both in defensive roles and in supporting attacking plays. Walker's age is a testament to his longevity and his continuous commitment to honing his craft, solidifying his status as a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the world of football
Kyle Walker Career
Kyle Andrew Walker's football career began at his boyhood club Sheffield United when he joined at the age of seven, following a recommendation from coach Paul Archer at Football Unites, Racism Divides. He steadily progressed through the ranks, earning a place in the reserve team by 2008. In November 2008, Walker embarked on a one-month loan to League One club Northampton Town to gain valuable first-team experience.
He made his debut on November 15, 2008, in a match against Oldham Athletic. His loan spell was later extended into January, during which he played a total of nine matches for the Cobblers before returning to Sheffield United.
Upon his return, Walker made his first-team debut for Sheffield United on January 13, 2009, in a third-round FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient. His impressive performances led to a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup for the club's crucial last two matches of the season, including the Championship play-off final against Burnley in May 2009.
By playing in the final, Walker became the youngest Sheffield United player ever to grace the Wembley Stadium.
In July 2009, Walker signed for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur along with Kyle Naughton for a combined fee of £9 million. As part of the deal, he was loaned back to Sheffield United for the 2009-2010 season.
However, Walker was recalled by Tottenham in February 2010 due to injuries in the right-back position. He made his Tottenham debut on March 27, 2010, in a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.
Walker subsequently went on loan to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) for the first half of the following season, followed by another loan spell at Aston Villa until the end of the 2010-2011 season. At Aston Villa, he scored on his debut against his former club Sheffield United in the FA Cup and also netted his first Premier League goal against Fulham. After returning to Tottenham, Walker's opportunities in the first team were limited, but he signed a contract extension until 2016.
Kyle Walker's Achievements and Rewards
Kyle Walker, the talented English right-back, has achieved numerous accolades and awards throughout his football career. Here are some of his notable accomplishments:
UEFA Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament: Walker was named to the Team of the Tournament for the UEFA Euro 2020, showcasing his outstanding performances and contributions to the England national team during the prestigious competition.
PFA Team of the Year: Walker has been honored multiple times by being selected for the prestigious PFA Team of the Year, which recognizes the best players in the Premier League. He received this recognition in the following seasons:
Is Kyle Walker Leaving Man City? FAQ
According to reports, there are advanced talks between Kyle Walker and Bayern Munich, indicating that he may be leaving Manchester City.
Kyle Walker expressed his desire to leave Manchester City due to a challenging season where he struggled to secure regular playing time under manager Pep Guardiola.
While there were rumors linking Kyle Walker with a return to Sheffield United, the chances of this transfer seem unlikely as the club cannot offer Champions League football, which is an attractive prospect for the player.
Kyle Walker, born on May 28, 1990, is currently 33 years old, bringing a valuable blend of experience and athleticism to his game.
Kyle Walker has achieved notable success in his career, including winning multiple Premier League titles, EFL Cups, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title in 2023. He has also been named in the PFA Team of the Year multiple times and was included in the UEFA Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament.