It has been reported that Manchester City defender Kyle Walker was ready to make a stunning return to Sheffield United in the summer.
This comes from TEAMTalk as the £50 million (Guardian) man’s future at the Etihad Stadium was up in the air.
However, Kyle Walker ending up signing a new contract until 2026 at Manchester City instead of returning to boyhood club Sheffield United.
Pep Guardiola stopped Kyle Walker from Sheffield United transfer
Branded as ‘truly exceptional’ by Paul Lake, the 33-year-old also seemed set to sign for Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich side.
After having won the treble with the Sky Blues, it seemed like Walker’s time at the club had come to an end.
So much so that it has been revealed that if Sheffield United had made a ‘firm and concrete offer’ to sign Kyle Walker, he would have up for reuniting with his boyhood club.
The Blades were also set to be taken over by new owners which would have allowed them to finance a move for the Englishman.
However, this takeover did not come to fruition with Pep Guardiola also ultimately convincing the five-time Premier League winner to stay put at City.
Pep Guardiola did the right thing by keeping Kyle Walker at all costs
Ultimately, Manchester City would have been relieved to see Kyle Walker prolong his stay at the club rather than joining Sheffield United.
The veteran remains the best right-back in the world, especially from a defensive standpoint, which is a massive bonus for City against elite opposition both domestically and in the Champions League.
After having lost experienced heads like Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte this summer, Kyle Walker’s exit would have been an undeniable blow to the side.
Pep Guardiola was right to keep hold of a truly elite player who is also a part of the club’s leadership group.
