Manchester City identify new first-choice right-back IF Kyle Walker leaves this summer

Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly identified their new first-choice right-back, should Kyle Walker end his Etihad Stadium stay this summer.

The England international has endured a mixed season to date both in terms of performances on the field and matters away from the pitch, whilst also taking up the honour of being voted Manchester City captain by his fellow teammates.

Walker was persuaded by Pep Guardiola and the wider Manchester City hierarchy to remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond last season, after it went on to emerge that the 33-year-old was strongly considering a move to Bayern Munich.

However, with interest from the Bundesliga giants understood to still be standing, as well as talk of potential interest from Saudi Arabia and the Pro League, reports are beginning to swirl around Manchester City’s contingency plans.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Manuel Akanji has ’caused a current rethink’ if Kyle Walker was to leave the club this summer, and would become Pep Guardiola’s new first-choice right-back.

The signing of the Swiss international from Borussia Dortmund has rapidly become one of the bargains of the recent Premier League era, with Manchester City signing the 28-year-old late on in the 2022 summer transfer window for just £15 million.

Having gone on to star in a multitude of roles under Pep Guardiola, winning five trophies in the process and a Treble in his debut season, Manuel Akanji’s latest development has seen him operate in the inverted right-back role.

With John Stones struggling for fitness during various moments of the ongoing season, Manuel Akanji has been trusted to operate in defensive midfield alongside Rodri, with his presence whilst in possession enabling the aforementioned Spaniard to roam forward.