Man City captain Kyle Walker hands in transfer request

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has expressed his desire to leave the club and play abroad, manager Pep Guardiola revealed following City’s dominant 8-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Salford City on Saturday. Despite being fit and available, Walker was left out of the matchday squad, signaling a shift in his future with the team.

Guardiola disclosed that Walker approached him on Thursday to discuss his intentions.

🚨 BREAKING: Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City.

“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/ZOZsDhBQBG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2025

More on this topic:

Man City’s downfall continues with 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa

“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola stated. “He asked two years ago after the Treble. Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.”

The manager emphasized Walker’s vital role in City’s recent success, saying, “We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.”

However, Guardiola acknowledged Walker’s current mindset: “Now in his mind, he would like to explore going to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all.”

Walker, a key player since joining City in 2017, has been instrumental in the club’s domestic and international triumphs, including last season’s historic Treble win.