Pep Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker wants to leave Man City after 8-0 win
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City, with the Englishman keen to explore options abroad.
Guardiola made the announcement in a press conference after City demolished Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup, with Walker not named in the squad.
Walker has helped City clinch 17 trophies since arriving from Tottenham in 2017, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The England star, 34, under contract at the Etihad for another 18 months, now wishes to depart having had his minutes reduced this season.
‘In his [Walker’s] mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years (somewhere else) for many reasons,’ Guardiola said.
‘For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here.’
Walker, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, has been a key player under Guardiola for years.
Kyle Walker has been a key player under Pep Guardiola for years (Picture: Getty)
‘We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle,’ Guardiola added. ‘It’s impossible.
‘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.’
Kyle Walker has attracted interest from three Saudi clubs (Picture: Getty)
Walker has reportedly attracted interest from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and two more Saudi sides – Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.
The City right-back previously admitted he could be tempted by a move to the Middle East.
‘I’ll never say never,’ Walker told the FIVE podcast in March 2024 about the possibility of switching over to the Saudi Pro League.
‘The money that they’re paying and everything is obviously a massive factor in why they’re going out there. Ronaldo opened the pathway for everyone to go there.’
