Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer Kyle Walker a new two-year contract amid interest from Bayern Munich.
This time last year the idea of Walker leaving City seemed unthinkable, such was the key role he played in multiple Premier League winning sides.
However, after the World Cup the 33-year-old lost his place in City’s starting XI, with Pep Guardiola saying the right-back was not able to invert into midfield as he’d like.
Guardiola’s adoption of a four centre-back system – with John Stones pushing up into midfield when in possession – appeared to spell the end of Walker’s time at City.
Yet injury to Nathan Ake gave the England international the chance to prove his worth, and he started seven consecutive games as City chased down the treble.
Walker started the FA Cup final defeat of Manchester United and was particularly good against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
The defender admitted his disappointment at starting the Champions League final on the bench, but he still gave a dressing room speech about how much he loves the club.
Walker could end up staying
According to The Telegraph, City have no intention of selling Walker and in fact willing to offer him a new two-year contract.
With one year left on the 33-year-old’s contract and his place in the starting XI uncertain, there has been speculation that Walker could leave the club this summer.
Bayern Munich are interested in signing Walker in the event that right-back Benjamin Pavard leaves the club; manager Thomas Tuchel has already spoken to Walker.
Does a new deal suit both parties?
City usually pursue a policy of offering players in their 30s one-year extensions, so their willingness to make an exception for Walker perhaps reflects his standing within the squad.
The question is though, is he likely to contribute enough to merit a contract that would end when he is 36?
Guardiola is set to continue using his four centre-back system next season as it offers his side more defensive stability.
If that is the case then, in the big games at least, Walker is unlikely to start.
Yet as he showed in the season run-in, Walker is still more than capable at playing at the elite level.
With Stones’ injury record and a packed schedule to play through, Walker could still be a valuable squad member with a key role to play.
