Man City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker told the club he would like a move abroad in the January transfer window.
The right-back was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s 8-0 home win over Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup, even though there was only two recognised defenders in the starting lineup.
Guardiola also revealed that the 34-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, wanted to leave Man City after their historic Treble success in 2023. Bayern Munich made a bid for Walker, but the club rejected it.
Man City star Kyle Walker hands in transfer request
“He asked two years ago that he’d like to travel,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. “Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer wasn’t good enough.
“All these years without Kyle, it would have been impossible. He’s given us something we didn’t have – amazing. Now he’d like to explore another country to play his last years, for many reasons. And for that reason, I preferred playing other players.”
Guardiola added: “He went to the club and spoke with [director of football] Txiki [Begiristain]. I am convinced if a player doesn’t want to be where they are then they can’t be what they want to be. I just said he’s exploring, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. I respect him a lot.”
Man City are already in the process of refreshing their squad after a disappointing first half to the season. They have agreed a £33.6 million deal with RC Lens for Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov, while they are also in negotiations with Palmeiras for teenage defender Vitor Reis and have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.
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