
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has decided to grant Kyle Walker his wish to leave, and that is the right thing to do.
Walker did not play for City in their FA Cup third-round tie against Salford City on Saturday.
After the match, Guardiola revealed that the English right-back told City director of football Txiki Begiristain on Thursday that he wanted to leave the club in the January transfer window.
The Telegraph quotes Guardiola as saying: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.
“He asked two years ago after the Treble, Bayern wanted him but the offer was not good enough and the club asked him how important he is.
“We cannot understand the club (success) had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.
“He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have but now in his mind he would like to explore to go in another country to play his last years for many reasons. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.”
The Telegraph has added that Guardiola is ready to let the 34-year-old right-back leave, and it is the right decision.
The £180,000-a-week (SalarySport) defender is past his prime. While he is still a very good right-back, his best days are behind him.
Walker has made 18 appearances for City so far this season. During the 2023-24 campaign, the former Tottenham Hotspur right-back gave five assists in 47 matches in all competitions for Guardiola’s side.
If the right-back has decided to leave, then there is no point in City, who have been linked with Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, forcing him to stay.
Even though City could benefit from having Walker in the squad because of his experience and seniority, it is never a good idea to keep a player against his will.
Moreover, Walker is a City legend. He has been at the club since 2017 and is a big reason why they have been so successful over the years.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Walker has won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, the EFL Cup on four occasions, and the UEFA Champions League once.
Walker deserves to leave City as a hero, and Guardiola is letting him do so.
