Saudi Pro League clubs linked as Kyle Walker looks to leave Manchester City

Defender seeking a transfer away from the UK, says manager Pep Guardiola

Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City. Reuters

Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola revealed on Saturday.

The England right back was absent from City’s squad for the 8-0 demolition of League Two Salford in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked about the 34-year-old, Guardiola said: “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.

“In his mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years (somewhere else) for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here.”

Walker has won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in a £45 million transfer from Tottenham in 2017.

However, he almost joined Bayern Munich after City’s treble win in 2023 and his performances over the past two seasons have dipped.

Walker, who signed a contract extension in September 2023 tying him to the club until the summer of 2026, has not started for City since their derby defeat by Manchester United last month.

Amad Diallo of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates in the 2-1 Premier League win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on December 15, 2024. Getty Images

Amad Diallo of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal. Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the game. Getty Images

Amad Diallo of Manchester United scores his team's winner. Getty Images

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot. Getty Images

Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Ruben Dias. Getty Images

Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City scores his team's opening goal. Getty Images

Tempers flare after a coming together between Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund. PA

Manchester City's Phil Foden has a shot. EPA

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim consoles Mason Mount after he was substituted following another injury. Reuters

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City takes on Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United. Getty Images

Jeremy Doku of Manchester City is closed down by Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United. Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the kick-off. Getty Images

Guardiola said: “We cannot understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle. 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.”

It remains to be seen whether Walker will leave City during this month’s transfer window or not.

After a poor run of form by City which was worsened by a lengthy injury list towards the end of 2024, Guardiola had been hoping to strengthen his squad.

The Premier League champions have shown an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and have been negotiating with Lens for their Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov. They are also interested in Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.

Guardiola said: “I said just ‘explore’. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. I respect him a lot because I’m more than grateful (for what) he’s done in many years with us. He arrived eight years ago and we started to win, win, win.

“He’s been important to the national team and important to our team but, honestly, I don’t know what will happen.”

SPL, Milan and Bayern could be options for Walker

Bayern Munich have a long-standing interest in Walker and could come back with an offer this month.

Bayern are managed by Walker's former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany and also feature his England colleague and ex-Tottenham teammate Harry Kane.

Walker was eager to join the Bundesliga giants in 2023 but Bayern were reluctant to match his lucrative City contract.

Guardiola said: “He asked two years ago after the treble, Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.”

The veteran defender could also be an option for Saudi Pro League clubs this month, according to reports in England. Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr have all been credited with an interest, with Nassr perhaps the most serious option.

Meanwhile, AC Milan, who are targeting a loan move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, could also look to sign Walker should a deal prove viable. Milan have a nucleus of English players already at the club, including Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham.