EPL: Walker Seeks Exit from Manchester City

Pep Guardiola open to Kyle Walker’s departure, won’t block potential transfer.
Walker excluded from FA Cup match, despite limited defensive options.
City captain meets with Txiki Begiristain to discuss exploring exit from Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has stated that he will not block Kyle Walker’s potential departure if the England defender chooses to leave the club during this month’s transfer window.

Walker, despite being one of only two recognized defenders in City’s starting lineup for their 8-0 FA Cup third-round win over League Two Salford, was excluded from the matchday squad. The 34-year-old still has 18 months remaining on his contract with City.

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However, Guardiola revealed that Walker met with director of football Txiki Begiristain on Thursday to express his intention to explore an exit.

“Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad,” said Guardiola.

“We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have. But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”

Asked if Walker would be granted his wish if he said he wanted to leave, Guardiola said: “Of course.

“It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know the situation. But I am pretty convinced there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be there who can perform and be exactly what they want to be.”

Guardiola revealed that Walker had initially requested to leave Manchester City following their historic Treble victory in 2023. He explained that Bayern Munich had expressed interest in signing Walker but failed to meet City’s asking price.