With this season not exactly going to plan, individually and as a team, it was reported at the start of the transfer window that Manchester City and England full back Kyle Walker had told manager Pep Guardiola that he would like to leave the club and start a new chapter in his career away from his home country. The Englishman was at Spurs between 2009-2017 where he became a fan favourite, and at City from 2017-present, and had cemented himself as one of he greatest full backs in Premier League history.
Former Spurs right-back set to swap Manchester for Milan
Walker, now 34-years-old has been disappointing to say the least since the end of last season, which includes a Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, where despite getting to the final he (and many other England players in fairness) didn't play anywhere near to their best. This poor run of form for the man capped 93 times for the Three Lions has continued into this season, with City fans expressing their thoughts on a number of poor performances. He's only started nine of their Premier League games, coming off the bench in a further six, and playing just twice in City's seven UEFA Champions League matches, starting one of them. With the club well out of the title race and could even have a chance at dropping out of the Champions League at the first hurdle, Guardiola looks to completely re-build his once great side.
Yesterday it was confirmed by reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano that Walker had agreed a loan deal with AC Milan, which comes with a buy option of only around 5 million Euros and a contract that runs until June 2027. However this is not mandatory if the Rossoneri decide against keeping the right-back. At Milan Walker will compete for that spot with club captain Davidr Calabria and former Spurs player Emerson Royal! However the Brazilian had to come off very early in last night's Champions League win over Girona, so it seems like a good time to bring in Walker. With his experience, mentality and the trophies he's won, he could be a good asset on and off the pitch for a Milan side who are struggling in Serie A at the moment sitting in 8th, already 19 points off table toppers Napoli!
Playing in Italy will be a completely different culture and way of life, and I think that is something Walker will relish. A lot of British players that have gone to Serie A always talk about the differences between that and the Premier League, saying they learn so much more tactically and start to see the game in different ways, even if it isn't as fast of a game over there. Playing under Guardiola definitely would have gave him a head start on this aspect before playing a game for the Rossoneri!