“The money they’re paying” – Manchester City star opens door to Saudi Arabia transfer

Manchester City captain and England international Kyle Walker has kept the door open to a future transfer to Saudi Arabian football, speaking during a recent interview.

The 33-year-old full-back has seen his future thrown into doubt at Manchester City in recent months, having come very close to an exit from the Etihad Stadium by entertaining an approach from Bayern Munich last summer.

Ultimately, both Pep Guardiola and Manchester City made convincing cases to retain Walker, and the veteran defender opted to remain at the club, whilst also being voted in as the new captain by his teammates, following the exit of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona.

However, some are continuing to cast doubts over the long-term future of Walker despite the recent signing of a new contract extension, while the player himself has seemingly remained open to the idea of an exit from the European game.

Speaking on the FIVE podcast in recent days, Kyle Walker has kept the door open to the idea of a future in Saudi Arabia, but reassured listeners that he still believes the Premier League is the best league in the world, and the best place for players to compete.

“I’ll never say never,” Walker responded. “The money that they’re paying and everything is obviously a massive factor in why they’re going out there. (Cristiano) Ronaldo opened the pathway for everyone to go there.”

The City captain continued on the future of Saudi Arabian football, “If they keep attracting the player they’re attracting the league will get better so why wouldn’t you want to go?

“But for me the Premier League is the best league in the world so I want to compete in this league for as long as possible and as high as possible.”

At present, Manchester City have not been linked with an interest in signing a new right-back during the upcoming summer transfer window, but the club do have a decision to make on one of their brightest prospects.

Brazil international Yan Couto has been excelling whilst on loan at Girona this season, earning his first caps as a senior international for the South American country, and is expected to return to Manchester City for their pre-season tour of the United States.

It remains unknown whether City will choose to retain the services of the rising right-back talent, but Girona will undoubtedly be keen on a third loan spell for the player, whilst some reports in Spain have linked Real Madrid with an interest in a permanent deal.