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Kyle Walker 'assessing options' as defender weighs up Man City future ahead of January transfer window

Walker 'assessing options' ahead of potential Man City departure
© Imago
Experienced Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is reportedly 'assessing his options' ahead of the January transfer window.

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is reportedly 'assessing his options' ahead of the January transfer window.

The veteran defender has enjoyed significant success since he joined Man City from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017.

Walker has made 318 competitive appearances for the Citizens, helping the club win six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and a Club World Cup.

While those achievements have etched Walker's name in Man City's history, there is some uncertainty about how long he will remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Walker's current deal runs until the summer of 2026, but his recent performance levels have raised questions about whether he can still play at the highest level.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Kyle Walker on October 5, 2024© Imago

Walker considering Man City future

The full-back has come under scrutiny in recent times, with his poor form a reflection of Man City's struggles on the pitch this season.

Having collected 31 points from 19 matches, Pep Guardiola's side will head into the new year in sixth place and 14 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

They have also won just two of their previous 14 matches in all competitions (D3, L9), highlighting the need for a rebuild in the upcoming transfer window.

At the age of 34, Walker is among those who have been linked with a move away despite being the club captain at the Etihad Stadium.

According to the Daily Mail, the experienced full-back is 'assessing his options' ahead of the January transfer window.

The report also claims that Matheus Nunes and academy product James McAtee are also considering their future with the reigning Premier League champions.

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker in September 2024.© Imago

Have Man City already identified Walker's replacement?

With Walker considering his future, Man City may already have their eyes set on his potential replacement should he leave the Etihad Stadium in the near future.

A recent report claimed that the Citizens have identified Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina as a possible successor to Walker.

Aina has been a regular fixture in Nuno Espirito Santo's side this season, starting in all 19 of Forest's Premier League games.

The 28-year-old is a key part of a Forest team that are sitting in second place with the league's third-best defensive record.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Manchester City's Kyle Walker on November 5, 2024
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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