Kyle Walker’s future at Manchester City is set to be decided in the January transfer window, with the club reportedly approaching the situation as a “business deal.” The City captain has expressed his desire to leave, reportedly attracting interest from AC Milan. Notably, Walker has been absent from City’s last two matchday squads against Salford City and Brentford, further fueling speculation about his departure.
According to Gary Neville, Walker’s decision could stem from the mental and physical toll of playing in a demanding environment under Pep Guardiola.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville suggested that Walker, despite his strong relationship with Guardiola, might feel unable to maintain the high standards required at Manchester City. The former England defender described Walker as looking “mentally and physically beaten,” potentially prompting his desire to seek a change.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane offered a different perspective, linking Walker’s struggles on the pitch to his personal life, which has frequently been the subject of tabloid scrutiny.
Keane emphasized that while off-field issues can impact players differently, it appears to have caught up with Walker. He also predicted that Manchester City would evaluate his exit as a financial transaction, given the club’s history of extracting maximum value from departing players.
Despite Walker’s challenges this season, both analysts acknowledged his contributions to City’s success. However, with Guardiola’s side facing a tough campaign and stretched resources, the timing of his transfer request adds an extra layer of complexity.
Whether Walker departs or stays will ultimately depend on how City balances his situation with their on-field priorities.
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