Bayern Munich have delegated the transfer of Manchester City star Kyle Walker to their President Herbert Hainer and Chief Financial Officer Michael Diderich, as they step up their interest in the defender.
The German giants are keen on a deal for the England international, who could leave despite City wanting him to stay for at least another season.
The 33-year-old has found himself starting less games in his natural right-back position since City switched to a formation which uses three centre-backs rather than a full-back, but remains an important player for Pep Guardiola, who once described him as “fantastic.”
A report from the Daily Mail has revealed that Bayern, who are also interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, have split their representatives to try and complete the deals, and Hainer and Diderich are in talks with City ahead of the friendly clash between the two sides in Tokyo.
Should City sell Walker?
Having already lost two experienced players in Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, losing Walker, who has made 254 appearances for City over the years would be a big blow.
Walker’s ability to play both wide and central gives Guardiola more tactical flexibility as he can change shape during a game without having to make a substitute, and his ability on the ball has made him one of the best fullbacks in Premier League history.
However, given his desire to join Bayern, parting ways and granting Walker his desired move could see him depart on a high note, and City could use this window to sign a replacement. With just one year left on his deal, City may be resigned to losing him next year for free anyway.
With Joao Cancelo also looking likely to leave, keeping Walker would help keep the squad stable after the treble win, and one more year with him in the squad could be ideal to allow City to find a replacement, or Rico Lewis to further develop as his successor.
