Pep Guardiola has made a curious decision regarding the English right-back, who has been heavily linked with the exotic league, ahead of facing the modest Salford City in the FA Cup.
It is as true to say that Kyle Walker is one of the best full-backs in Premier League history as it is to acknowledge that he is far from his best form. The English full-back, like Manchester City in general, is having a tough season. Many attribute the team’s decline to Rodri’s injury, but this has also coincided with a more uncompetitive version of the Three Lions international.
The reality is that Walker, who experienced a resurgence last season at the age of 33, is now suffering the opposite fate. His physical power has diminished alongside his top speed, proving inadequate to chase down the world’s top wingers. And for a player who has always excelled due to his physical prowess and who needs to cover a flank for a team that leaves plenty of space behind, this is a harsh reality check.
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Kyle Walker Requests to Leave Manchester City
-The physical problems have plagued the Manchester City first-choice right-back, who appears in too many photos of goals conceded. Considering his contractual situation (he could be a free agent in 2026) and the team’s poor results, which ‘force’ the management to make decisions for a squad restructure, his name is gaining traction in this winter transfer market for a potential exit from the Etihad.
Guardiola sent an important message in the lead-up to the FA Cup clash his team will face on Saturday, January 11, against Salford City. Kyle Walker did not even make the bench due to technical decisions. This means there were no physical issues preventing him from participating in the match, and the rumors of his transfer to a Saudi Arabian team have been reignited.
Guardiola was previously asked about a possible move for the English international to Saudi Arabia, but rather than outright denying it, he stated he does not know much about the situation. According to British media, three teams from the exotic league are after him: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr.
