In a recent tweet, journalist Florian Plettenberg mentioned that Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker is on the radar of Bayern Munich. It has been revealed that the Bavarian giants are pushing to recruit the Man City star this summer.
❗️News #Walker: A few days ago there was the first personal meeting between Bayern and the player's agents. Before that there were only phone calls. Tuchel involved.
Excl. detail:
➡️ Walker could sign a contract until 2025 + year option.
Bayern is still pushing for Walker!… pic.twitter.com/3bmtwxavvY
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 22, 2023
Walker’s Impressive Form In European Football This Season
Walker enjoyed a brilliant campaign at the Etihad Stadium as he managed to help his team complete the treble earlier this summer. The England international made 39 appearances for the Mancunian giants last season, picking up one assist in the process across multiple competitions.
The 33-year-old caught the eye with his performances in Europe and did well to average 1.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game in the UEFA Champions League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 83.3% in European football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Thus, it makes sense for Man City to cash in on Walker in this off-season rather than risk losing him as a free agent next year.
Can Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Afford To Lose Walker?
Walker is a good tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He has got the pace to make a few recovering runs at the back and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.
The English talent doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when required. He can even create a few inviting chances for his teammates in the opponent’s half. Walker is primarily a right-back but can also function as a right-sided wide player or as a central defender if told to do so by his manager.
Walker remains an important member of Pep Guardiola‘s match-day squad. However, at 33, father time is slowly catching up with the Man City star’s game. Thus, the Mancunian club should consider finding a suitable replacement for Walker so that they can afford to let him go this summer.
The English sensation is on an expiring contract which could force Man City to cash in on him during this summer transfer window.
