Transfers
Kyle Walker receives ‘generous’ Manchester City offer amid intense Bayern Munich pursuit
Manchester City have reportedly offered veteran full-back Kyle Walker a ‘generous’ contract extension, in an attempt to fend off interest from Bayern Munich.
The Premier League legend has been weighing up his options this summer following a difficult season on a personal note, that culminated in disappointment having been left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final in Istanbul.
On top of that, Walker has just one year remaining on his current Manchester City agreement, and whilst also firmly within the twilight years of his professional career, his next move – should he make one – could be the last at the top of the game.
However, whilst Bayern Munich have been hunting the services of Kyle Walker for a number of weeks courtesy of Thomas Tuchel’s admiration for the player, a new development has perhaps swung a final decision more in favour of the Etihad club.
According to Martin Blackburn and Dave Kidd of The Sun, Manchester City have now offered Kyle Walker a two-year deal, as they attempt to keep the England international away from the clutches of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
The report states that Walker has been ‘pleasantly surprised’ by City’s offer, believing that it is ‘generous’ given the fact that he has recently turned 33, and feeling that it means he will still have a major role to play in the future of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
While Bayern Munich reportedly remains an option due to a long-standing ambition to play outside of England, it is suggested that Walker has been ‘heartened’ by the proposal placed on the table by Etihad Stadium chiefs.
Manchester City are not expected to seek a replacement for Kyle Walker this summer, regardless of whether he leaves the club or not, as Pep Guardiola favours a defensive system that features a row of central defenders.
Following the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last season, Guardiola converted his defensive set-up to a three-man line of central defenders, with one full-back inverting to stand alongside the defensive midfielder.
More often than not, that system saw John Stones alongside Rodri in defensive midfield, in a system that proved to be hugely successful for the club and ultimately win them a treble of trophies in a historic campaign for Manchester City and English football as a whole.
Academy graduate Rico Lewis is also expected to play a more significant role next season, having broken into Manchester City’s first-team after the World Cup, offering a different option for Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff.
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