Kyle Walker has told Pep Guardiola that he wants to leave Manchester City for Bayern Munich.
That’s according to Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg, who has reported that Walker’s decision is final.
Walker’s future at City has been uncertain since the end of last season, with the 33-year-old open to leaving the club in search of more regular minutes.
The right-back has played a key role in City’s dominance in recent seasons, helping Guardiola’s side to win five Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League.
However, Walker lost his regular starting spot in the second half of last season first to youngster Rico Lewis and then to Manuel Akanji when Guardiola adopted a four-centre-back-system.
Walker has told Guardiola his decision
Now it appears that Walker has made a decision on his future.
Walker reportedly met Guardiola for crunch talks earlier this week, and according to Plettenberg, he informed his coach of his intention to join Bayern Munich.
Walker is part of the 25-man squad that has travelled to Japan for a pre-season tour, but that is not expected to be an issue as City were aware of his situation.
According to Plettenberg, City and Bayern are yet to agree a fee for the England international but an opening offer is expected soon.
Walker has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Bayern, and will sign a contract until 2025 with an option of a further year.
The defender spoke with Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel a few weeks ago.
MCN view: City have a decision to make
City will be extremely disappointed – they pushed hard to convince Walker to stay as they know he is still more than capable of performing at the highest level.
The treble winners even offered Walker a new two-year deal, but they must accept his decision – so long as Bayern stump up a suitable offer.
Finding a replacement who is happy to not be a regular in the starting XI will be trick. City have been linked with Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard, but Guardiola mat opt to stick with the options he already has.
