Manchester City rebuild: Kyle Walker faces uncertain future

The future of Manchester City right-back; Kyle Walker hangs in the balance ahead of the coming season, and according to reports, this has prompted the club to line up a potential successor.

Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Walker has been instrumental in City’s dominance, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy.

At 34, Kyle Walker remains a formidable presence on the field, despite a less-than-stellar Euro 2024 with England. Last season, he captained City to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, showcasing his enduring quality and leadership.

Read More:

Kyle Walker gets the short end of the stick after England draw

Guardiola reacts to Kyle Walker’s cheating scandal

2-defenders out as Liverpool set for major shake-up

Yet, despite his contract running until 2026, Walker’s future at the Etihad is uncertain. Reports earlier this summer linked him with a move to Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ahli, with Walker allegedly seeking advice from former City teammate Riyad Mahrez about life in Saudi Arabia.

In anticipation of a potential departure, City have earmarked Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as Walker’s replacement, as reported by The Athletic. Frimpong, who had a stellar 2023-24 season, played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph, notching nine goals and nine assists.

The 23-year-old Dutch international, who once came through City’s youth ranks, has evolved into a dynamic right-sided midfielder, making him an attractive prospect for Guardiola’s side. Despite the speculation, the general expectation is that few players, if any, will leave City this summer.

Kyle Walker, expressing his love for the game, stated, “I’ll go as long as I can go. This is a job that I love. I never wake up and think I don’t want to go in. I love playing football. It’s my happy place.”

The coming season will be an interesting one for the Cityzens if they lose 3-key starters from their squad.