Kyle Walker needs to depart Man City this month as Pep Guardiola confirms large change

Kyle Walker is one of Manchester City’s longest serving players and has won every club honour under Pep Guardiola, but now looks set to leave the Etihad Stadium

In a bombshell announcement, Manchester City’s gaffer Pep Guardiola has confirmed that right-back star Kyle Walker wants to move away from the Etihad. The revelation came after City’s emphatic 8-0 rout of Salford City in the FA Cup, with Walker missing from the action.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola said: “It’s not easy for me to say but Kyle is not here because two days ago he asked to explore the option to play abroad. He asked after the Treble, when Bayern wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.

“For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here. Kyle went to Txiki Begiristain. Maybe I am wrong but I am pretty convinced that you should keep no-one who doesn’t want to be here.

“He’s been important for the national team but he said ‘I want to explore, in my mind and my heart I want to explore it. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Walker, who has been a key figure since his switch from Tottenham to City in 2017, boasts an enviable trophy cabinet with six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, one Champions League title, and four EFL Cups under his belt, reports the Mirror.

Kyle Walker’s reign as one of the world’s top right-backs seems to be taking a hit with his form dipping just as Manchester City endure their rockiest spell in years. It’s been ages since his last Premier League start – the memorable loss to Man Utd – and that game had tongues wagging about his clash with striker Rasmus Hojlund.

With cameos in three matches, clocking 20 and 29 minutes here and there, Walker’s pitch time is in decline. And it’s no secret according to boss Guardiola who spilled the beans before they faced Salford, saying: “Maybe he’s not playing the minutes like he played in the past.

“Rico Lewis is playing really well, and of course the central defenders and Josko. I decide for that.”

Now, whispers are getting louder about some Saudi teams eyeing up this English footy hero, holder of 93 caps and a regular in England’s star squad at the Euros.