Journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested that Kyle Walker’s omission from Manchester City’s Champions League final starting XI could be why he has been linked with a summer exit.
Recent days have seen the full-back linked with a move to Bayern Munich after a recent report from The Athletic claimed he has a high chance of leaving the Manchester club this summer following their treble-winning campaign.
With that in mind, one journalist has shared some behind-the-scenes details on the situation and what Walker’s future could look like before next season comes around.
Walker unhappy with Champions League final omission
Speaking in a recent episode of the Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey said this on the matter.
He said: “He’s not like a Bernardo Silva who wants to leave, that’s for definite.
“This all stemmed from him, I’m told, not starting in the Champions League final, he was a bit put out with that, he wasn’t happy.
“His form in the last six weeks has been phenomenal. There’s been no defender in world football playing better than Kyle Walker and he didn’t start that final, I think that hurt him a lot, it really did.
“He’s got another year left at City, they’re happy for him to see that out and possibly sign an extension, they won’t give him a two-year one but another year here and there.
“He’s obviously got Sheffield United interest, they offered him a long-term deal to go there. West Ham like him a lot, we’ve reported that before.
“I think Walker hasn’t decided yet. If he stamps his feet and goes ‘I’m going,’ then City will allow him to leave. Bayern Munich are an option for him.”
Having completed the full 90 minutes in both of City’s Champions League semi-final clashes against Real Madrid and finding himself on the end of some heavy praise for how he handled his defensive duties against Vinicius Junior, it’d be understandable why the Englishman may have been disappointed at not being included in the starting XI for the final against Inter Milan.
Bearing in mind how the 33-year-old featured in 39 games for Pep Guardiola’s side last season across all competitions and featured in the centre-back and right-back roles while donning the captain’s armband on a few occasions, this highlights how important he is for the team.
It also makes us feel that the club should have no intention of accepting any offer that may come his way this summer and should instead look to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Moving forward, unless Walker decides to bring an end to his time with City, he should continue trying to win as many trophies as he can and be as useful for the team as he can.
