Kyle Walker makes decision on Manchester City future following Pep Guardiola showdown talks

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is set to remain at the Etihad Stadium despite previously agreeing to join Bayern Munich, according to widespread reports.

The 33-year-old had been heavily linked with a potential move to the Bundesliga this summer, after making 31 starts for Manchester City last season – a joint-lowest total since signing from Tottenham in 2017.

Walker is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium next summer, but captained Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal last weekend, and featured against Bayern Munich in pre-season despite intense talk of swapping Manchester for Bavaria.

The defender has made over 250 appearances for Manchester City, starting 231 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions, but failed to start the Champions League Final win against Inter Milan in Istanbul last season.

Kyle Walker had also held showdown talks with Pep Guardiola in Manchester on Friday night, with the pair pictured at a restaurant where they talked for over two hours, according to reports.

Despite Bayern Munich’s attempts to sign the 33-year-old, Kyle Walker is now set to remain at Manchester City for the new campaign, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee.

The England international has opted to remain at the Etihad Stadium, and is now considering whether to accept Manchester City’s new contract offer, which the report claims is worth more than Bayern Munich’s proposal.

Walker had previously accepted personal terms tabled by Bayern Munich, and the German club had discussed a potential £13 million transfer fee, however that was never agreed by the two clubs despite talks having taken place in Far East Asia during pre-season.

In additional details provided by Fabrizio Romano, it is further claimed that City’s new contract bid is tempting Walker, and the defender is now expected to stay and sign that new deal.

German football journalist Christian Falk has further stated that Walker has now informed Bayern Munich of his decision to remain at Manchester City for the forthcoming campaign, and potentially beyond.

The 33-year-old has been at Manchester City since a £50 million move from Tottenham in 2017, and has won 14 trophies; including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City begin their latest Premier League title bid against Burnley on Friday night, and Walker is also in contention to become club captain, following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona.

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