Walker is set to undergo a medical today.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City have accepted AC Milan’s offer for England international Kyle Walker, agreeing to a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer.
The purchase option is valued at £4.2 million (€5 million), according to Sky Italy. Walker is expected to arrive in Milan today, where he will undergo a medical before signing his contract at Casa Milan.
Walker’s Impact at Manchester City
Since joining City from Tottenham in 2017 for £50 million, Walker has been a key figure in the club’s dominant era, winning 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Despite being linked with Bayern Munich after City’s historic treble win in 2023, Walker extended his contract until 2026. However, the 33-year-old’s form has declined this season, making a departure seem inevitable.
Guardiola’s Tribute to Walker
Manager Pep Guardiola praised Walker’s contributions, stating:
We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He arrived eight years ago, and we started winning, and he has been important for the national team and our team.
Why the Move Makes Sense for Both Parties
Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones believes the parting of ways is beneficial for both Walker and City.
Walker may have asked to leave, but there won’t be much resistance from City’s decision-makers. His performances have declined, and opposition players now find it easier to exploit his defensive weaknesses.
This season, Walker has struggled in one-on-one duels, a quality that once made him one of the league’s best defenders.
Even Timo Werner, who has faced his own form struggles at Tottenham, managed to outpace him during City’s 4-1 loss to Spurs.
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville commented on Walker’s dip in form, noting:
You don’t see that often, but we’ve seen it a few times in recent weeks. Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe—he’s handled them all. But now, he’s struggling.
City’s Transfer Window So Far
Walker’s exit follows City’s recent acquisitions of:
- Vitor Reis (Palmeiras, £30 million)
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens, £34 million)
- Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt, £59 million)
City’s defensive rebuild suggests they are planning for the future, making Walker’s departure a logical step in the club’s long-term strategy.