Manchester City star rejects contract offers as Etihad Stadium exit eyed in coming weeks
After learning that Kyle Walker had rejected the club’s attempts to extend his contract, Pep Guardiola might be about to lose a third senior first-team player.
The Pep Guardiola-modified role often saw the England international play second fiddle to players like Rico Lewis and John Stones during the second half of the treble-winning season the previous season.
The Manchester City manager frequently used a system where his right-sided full-back would invert, stand next to Rodri in defensive midfield, and play a key role in possession. Guardiola has confessed that he felt Walker could not play this style.
When Manchester City faced off against quicker and more skilled attackers, such as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. in the competition’s semifinal round, Kyle Walker was needed in important Champions League games and battles.
Unfortunately for Walker, not starting the Champions League final versus Inter would also mean missing out on a starting spot. Walker is said to have been extremely disappointed by this decision.
As a result, the athlete has a sense that this summer could usher in a new beginning, and over the past few weeks, a transfer to the Bundesliga has become an extremely real prospect.
According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Kyle Walker has already rejected Manchester City’s attempts to agree a new contract, as he holds a desire to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
There is believed to be no resolution in sight at the moment, despite the fact that it is underlined that the two teams have already discussed a potential deal during their preseason meeting in Japan last month.
The news that the club appears content with its right-back roster and may not sign a replacement, with John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis all mentioned as options, is maybe crucial for Manchester City ahead of the new season.
However, after acquiring Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in the upcoming days, Manchester City are predicted to concentrate their efforts on bringing in a wide attacker or a new midfield alternative.
The Bundesliga and Premier League clubs are said to have finally agreed on a price, with City anticipating paying roughly £78 million for the 21-year-old in a deal that excludes add-ons.
Before joining the Premier League champions, Gvardiol is scheduled to fly to Manchester in the upcoming hours and days. He may possibly travel to London with the team for the FA Community Shield match against Arsenal.