As Pep Guardiola enters his ninth season in charge of Manchester City, it has become clear to those in the Etihad side that some of their stars can no longer deliver their best performances.
Time spares no one. Pep Guardiola, the maestro of Santpedor, has already launched his ninth season as manager of Manchester City, having transformed English Football thanks to a project centered on an attractive style of play that has captivated the entire nation and filled the cabinet Etihad trophies. However, the key players who started this journey are starting to lose their luster.
A year after the Catalan arrived in Manchester, Kyle Walker joined the ranks from Tottenham at the age of 27. Seven years later, he has become one of the club’s icons and is considered by many to be the best right-back in Premier League history. Walker has often been the deciding factor on a team loaded with talent. Although he may lack the elegance of more technically gifted players, his work ethic, versatility and physical strength have been crucial in maintaining the perfect machine.
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Today, at 34, his physical problems are starting to make themselves felt, preventing him from leading City’s right flank as he has done in recent seasons. Several British media are beginning to present potential candidates to replace him. Last summer he came close to a move to Bayern Munich, but ultimately stayed. This season, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a likely destination for the Sheffield native, who is under contract until the summer of 2026. Whatever happens, he will always be Pep’s ‘bodyguard’.
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The first name seriously considered is house talent Rico Lewis, one of the club’s “pearls”, who would cost the team nothing. At just 19 years old, the England right-back has been instrumental this season and has clearly taken responsibility, making him a prime candidate for a starting role in future campaigns.
In City’s last ten matches, Rico Lewis has featured in all of them, nine of them as a starter. For Guardiola, he is Walker’s natural replacement in the team. However, the Citizens are also keeping a close eye on the market.
According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Manchester City are closely monitoring Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali. The 21-year-old Moroccan has become one of the pillars of Manolo González’s team and is performing at a high level in La Liga.
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With his strength, speed, aerial ability and versatility, which allows him to play in any defensive position, he could make a significant jump in his career. The same source indicates that Brighton and Aston Villa are also following him because of his qualities, very appreciated in the Premier League where physicality is essential.
Another name gaining popularity as Walker’s potential successor is Jeremie Frimpong, who was linked with City last season. The Dutchman, who came through the Manchester academy ranks, has been one of the standout players for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, charming fans with his performances. However, it offers a completely different set of features compared to Walker or El Hilali.
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At 23 years old, he is a right piston who flourishes when he attacks opponents. A dynamo known for his offensive production, he is quick, bold and has the quality and personality to build from the back. Defensively, he can be a little less robust, but he is designed for teams looking to press their opponents and constantly exploit the flanks.
Finally, according to the cited source, City are also closely following Vanderson, a right-back from Monaco. The 23-year-old Brazilian made his European debut during the 2022 winter transfer window after being one of the best players at Grêmio. He is a more offensive player compared to Walker, exceptionally quick and a versatile asset capable of doing everything on the wing.
In short, Manchester City’s active search for a right-back is a clear signal that the club is starting to think about a renewal plan aimed at maintaining the competitive level of the team and extending a project that has brought the club its years the most fruitful. Time, it seems, is unforgiving, even for a “beast” like Kyle Walker.
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