Manchester City defender Kyle Walker appears to be fit leave club at least until the end of the season as he tries to fulfill his ambitions of playing abroad and improve his personal life.
Walker, 34, has struggled this season amid a dip in form that has been further exposed by City’s shocking run of results since the start of November.
Following links with AC Milan earlier this monthcity rivals Inter now look likely to secure the six-time Premier League champions on an initial loan deal.
The Daily Mail reports that the proposed agreement with Between is “virtually done” and the Serie A side are crucially ready to cover Walker’s wages as they look to strengthen their defensive squad.
It is thought to be “unlikely” for City to make a move for the player if everything proves acceptable to them, with “next week” given as the expected time frame for when it will all be completed.
Walker was interested in joining Bayern Munich ahead of last season, the same summer that former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Harry Kane signed for the Bundesliga giants.
Whether that becomes a permanent move to Inter after the end of the season remains to be seen – Walker is under contract at City until the summer of 2026. But not only will he be able to live out his dreams of playing football abroad, it may come at the right time for his family.
Walker was reportedly on the verge of divorcing longtime partner Annie Kilner in early 2024, after his personal life exploded when it became apparent he fathered a second child with influencer Lauryn Goodman. That bombshell came out at the same time Kilner was pregnant with their fourth child together.
After moving out of the family home, Walker spent Christmas with his wife and their children post additionally reports that they are planning to move to Italy together as a family of six. Meanwhile, Goodman is said to be considering a move of her own to Dubai with the other children, seeking permission from Walker to rent out the house he owns, where she currently lives, after moving to the Gulf.
City boss Pep Guardiola openly confirmed after Saturday’s FA Cup win over Salford City that Walker is considering options to leave the club this month.
“Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola said. “He asked two years ago after the Treble. Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.
“I am convinced that there is no one in our business who does not want to be where he is, [and] can perform. He asks to investigate [the options] so maybe it won’t happen, we don’t know, you never know. Investigate the situation and I have a lot of respect for that. I am more than grateful for what he has done for us over the years.”
Walker arrived at City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017 and made 319 appearances.
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