Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that he will not obstruct Kyle Walker should the England defender choose to leave the club in the current transfer window.
Walker was not featured in the City squad during their impressive 8-0 FA Cup third-round win against League Two side Salford, despite Guardiola fielding only two recognised defenders in his starting lineup.
The 34-year-old England international is under contract for an additional 18 months.
Guardiola revealed that the City captain approached the director of football, Txiki Begiristain, on Thursday to discuss his intention to explore an exit from the club.
“Kyle expressed interest in exploring opportunities to play overseas just two days ago,” Guardiola stated.
“The club’s actions over the years are incomprehensible without considering Kyle’s influence.” It is deemed unfeasible. He has served as our right-back, providing an element previously absent from the team. He is considering venturing to another country to continue his career in the final years of his playing days, driven by various motivations.
When asked whether Walker would be allowed to pursue his desire to leave, Guardiola responded affirmatively, stating: “Of course.”
“The outcome remains uncertain, as the circumstances can change unexpectedly.” Everyone in our profession is genuinely motivated to be there and can achieve their desired potential.
Guardiola revealed that Walker wanted to depart from City following the club’s remarkable Treble achievement in 2023. Guardiola revealed that Bayern Munich, the prominent German club, expressed interest in signing Walker but could not meet the transfer fee set by City.
Experts suggest that a recurrence of past issues seems improbable, as Guardiola has already pledged to revitalise a squad that has faced significant challenges in the first half of the season.
The club has agreed with French side Lens to transfer Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov, with the deal valued at £33.6 million. Negotiations are underway with Brazilian club Palmeiras regarding acquiring teenage defender Vitor Reis, while interest is also being shown in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.
