MANCHESTER CITY
Is Kyle Walker going to Bayern? How much will he cost?
The Manchester City defender is now being linked with a sensational move to the German champions.
Like a master craftsman mixed with an artificial intelligence engineer, Pep Guardiola has perfected the art of moulding his players to function perfectly within his complex system, and now another one of his creations has passed the Turing Test and seems to be on his way out.
Kyle Walker arrived at Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur with a lot to learn, and learn he did. The marauding right-back became a steady defender as well as a ferocious attacker, capable of performing any role on the right of Pep Guardiola’s defence and becoming one of his stalwarts in the squad that has dominated English - and now European - football.
Walker wants a new challenge
It seems now, however, that his next challenge lies not in Manchester but in Munich, with Bayern, the current German champions, said to be interested in signing him. The 33-year-old has won almost everything possible at Manchester City and seems to want a new challenge - and a new contract - before his time at the top is up.
Bayern are, as mentioned, champions of Germany after pipping rivals Borussia Dortmund to the title on the final day, and were completely outclassed by Manchester City in the Champions League. The European competition is where Walker has made international headlines over the past few seasons, especially in his games against Real Madrid, where Vini Jr has struggled at times to get the better of the Englishman. Bayern, if they end up singing the player, will be getting a cool, experienced head but also a lot of physicality and raw pace on the right side of defence.
Could Walker’s move mean Pavard goes to Madrid?
It’s an interesting question, thanks for asking. Benjamin Pavard is Bayern’s current right-back, and it remains to be seen if a) the deal for Walker goes through and b) if Pavard would be happy to be the number two to the number two spot. Real Madrid have been linked with the French defender, and it would definitely not be the first time that one spark in the matchbox blew up and set off the transfer fireworks.
How much would Bayern pay for Walker?
The Athletic reported that Walker “unhappy with his minutes across the 2022-23 season” and that the deal with Bayern, although currently in talks to leave, is “not yet complete and there remains work to be done”. The report says that “the fee between the two clubs is yet to be agreed but isn’t expected to be an issue”.
