Manchester City likely to block late proposals for senior defender – Sources close to player shut down transfer prospect

Premier League champions Manchester City are unlikely to entertain the idea of a late sale and exit for the club’s captain Kyle Walker, reports have detailed.

The England international is now into a second successive summer transfer window where he has found himself linked to an exit from the club, albeit this time around not being as open to the idea as he was in 2023.

Prior to last season, Walker was intensely linked with admiration and interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, with personal terms widely believed to have been agreed at one stage during the summer market.

With the two clubs competing in the same pre-season tour of Asia, there was a clear opportunity for a deal to be done, however talks stalled and Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to personally persuade the veteran full-back to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Now, with Walker certainly not getting any younger, there has been conversation over the last few days regarding potential transfer interest from Saudi Arabia, with a potential exit from English football accompanied by a blockbuster salary package.

But according to the information of ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Manchester City are unlikely to entertain offers for their club captain Kyle Walker, despite reported interest from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.

It is detailed that the Premier League champions do not want to lose Kyle Walker just 10 days before the summer transfer deadline, and any approach from potential suitors across the game is set to be rejected.

Additional reporting from The Athletic’s Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee also referenced sources close to both Kyle Walker and the Etihad Stadium club, who have played down interest in the England international from Saudi Arabia.

This season will see Kyle Walker face an even greater challenge when it comes to holding down a consistent starting place at right-back, with the development and growth of Rico Lewis in Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans.

The 19-year-old started for Manchester City in their opening Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, putting in a senior performance that many deemed to be the Player of the Match showing.

Positional awareness and football intelligence were showcased in abundance by the Manchester City academy graduate, who will no doubt be giving Pep Guardiola plenty to think about when it comes to selecting options in the central and defensive areas of the pitch.