Kyle Walker Set to Leave Manchester City as Summer Exit Looms
The 34-year-old right-back, currently on loan at the Serie A club, will not return to the Etihad Stadium, signaling the end of an illustrious eight-year tenure with City.
AC Milan defender Kyle Walker. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
By Robert Assad
Kyle Walker, the long-serving Manchester City captain and England international, appears destined to part ways with the Premier League champions this summer, regardless of AC Milan’s intentions.
The 34-year-old right-back, currently on loan at the Serie A club, will not return to the Etihad Stadium, signaling the end of an illustrious eight-year tenure with City.
Walker joined Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for a then-record £50 million fee for a defender. Under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship, he became a cornerstone of the club’s success, lifting six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and 17 major honors in total across 319 appearances.
However, his move to AC Milan on loan in January 2025, with an option for a permanent transfer, marked the beginning of the end. Sources confirm that City and Walker will not reunite, even if Milan opts against triggering their buy clause.
AC Milan’s decision on Walker’s future hinges on the appointment of a new director, expected soon. The Italian giants hold a €5 million option to secure him permanently, but his age and €4.5 million annual salary have sparked internal debate.
Since arriving at the San Siro, Walker has made 12 appearances, earning mixed reviews from fans—some praising his experience, others questioning his declining pace.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are already planning for life without their former skipper. The club has begun scouting replacements, with Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu among the names linked as a potential successor.
Guardiola has remained tight-lipped on specifics but acknowledged Walker’s departure as a natural progression, stating earlier this year, “He’s a player for Milan now.” City’s proactive approach underscores their intent to maintain defensive strength in the upcoming season.
Walker’s exit closes a chapter for a player once hailed as one of the world’s best right-backs. As both clubs chart their paths, the summer transfer window promises significant changes—for Walker, a new horizon; for City, a fresh face at the back.
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