Five potential Kyle Walker replacements as Manchester City defender agrees terms with Bayern Munich

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has verbally agreed to join Bayern Munich this summer, so who could potentially replace the Englishman at the Etihad Stadium?

The 33 year-old has won 14 trophies and made over 250 appearances for Manchester City since signing from Tottenham in the summer of 2017, but now looks set to leave the club, despite an attractive new two-year contract proposal having reportedly been made by Etihad officials.

Walker, who failed to start the UEFA Champions League Final against Inter Milan, could become the second high-profile exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer, following Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Bayern Munich will still need to agree a fee with Manchester City to sign the England international defender, however a potential transfer has moved significantly closer, after Walker reached a verbal agreement with the Bundesliga club.

Manchester City face Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly later this month, meeting at the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday 26th July.

With the growing possibility of Walker playing against Manchester City in this fixture, here are five potential right-back alternatives the Sky Blues could look to sign this summer.

Benjamin Pavard

Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed that Benjamin Pavard tops Manchester City’s list of Kyle Walker alternatives and replacements, should the full-back leave the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman, who is 27 years of age and plays for Bayern Munich, has been linked with a potential departure from the German club this summer, so could a swap deal between the Premier League and Bundesliga champions be on the cards?

Pavard made 43 appearances for Bayern Munich last season and has previously won both the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup. A versatile defender that primarily plays at right-back, the France international can occupy a central defensive position.

Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi has previously been linked with Manchester City this summer, with the Moroccan international rumoured to be interested in leaving Paris Saint-Germain despite only moving to France for €60 million in 2021.

The 24-year-old full-back is also able to play at left-back, and was directly involved in 11 goals in 39 appearances for PSG last season.

Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento is admired at the Etihad Stadium and with Southampton set to offload a number of high-profile talents following relegation from the Premier League, the 20-year-old right-back could be an option to Manchester City.

Newcastle United are reported to be interested in signing the Englishman this summer, although one potential issue might be the fact that Livramento missed the majority of last season due to a serious knee injury, making just three appearances.

Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo was predominantly playing at left-back before his dramatic exit to Bayern Munich in January following a reported training ground bust-up.

However, the 29 year-old featured in 26 matches prior to his departure, and with a contract until 2027, could the exit of Kyle Walker lead to a shock sensational return for the Portugal international?

Rico Lewis

The teenager made 23 appearances and 16 starts during Manchester City’s treble-winning season, and is set to be rewarded with a major new contract as a result of an impressive campaign.

Lewis has already shown himself capable of playing at right-back, so could Pep Guardiola already have his Kyle Walker replacement?

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