Bayern Munich no longer expect Kyle Walker to join them from Manchester City.
That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, despite reports that Walker verbally agreed to join the Bundesliga champions.
Walker has played an integral role in City’s success under Pep Guardiola, but this summer his future at the club has looked uncertain.
At times last season the 33-year-old right-back was unhappy with his role in the team, as Guardiola’s four-centre-back-system reduced his starting opportunities.
Walker was particularly disappointed to be named among the substitutes for the Champions League final, an incident that pushed him toward the exit.
Bayern accept defeat
However, following reports that Walker has decided to stay at City, it appears that Bayern have accepted that they will not be signing the England international this summer.
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According to Plettenberg, “there is still no official rejection from the player but Bayern bosses no longer expect Walker to come.”
Plettenberg has reported that Bayern were offering Walker a contract until 2025 with an option of a further year.
What might have swayed Walker’s decision is that, per Plettenberg, City are offering him a guaranteed deal until 2026.
Earlier in the summer it was widely reported that Walker agreed to personal terms with Bayern after holding talks with manager Thomas Tuchel.
During City’s pre-season tour of Japan, Guardiola confirmed that the two clubs would meet to discuss a potential transfer of Walker, although he insisted that City would fight to keep the England international.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Walker had performed a U-turn and decided to stay at City despite his verbal agreement with Bayern.
With his current deal set to expire next summer, Walker now looks set to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Keeping Walker is great news for Guardiola, who met the defender for dinner in Manchester last week in an attempt to convince him to stay.