Kyle Walker, the 34-year-old captain of Manchester City, has attracted interest from several of Saudi Arabia’s top football clubs, including Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. Despite having 18 months remaining on his contract, Walker is facing a tough season, and the question now is whether he will stay with Manchester City or seek a new challenge.
Reports suggest that Saudi clubs are keen on signing the experienced England defender, with Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, leading the charge, along with Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. These clubs offer the financial power to secure major contracts, making them an appealing option for high-profile players like Walker.
Walker has previously hinted that a move to the Middle East could be possible, stating he would “never say never” when rumors started circulating last year. However, he decided to stay with Manchester City at that time, aiming to continue winning trophies under Pep Guardiola.
Although the interest from Saudi clubs is strong, a January move seems unlikely. Manchester City is dealing with several injuries, and Guardiola cannot afford to lose a key player in the middle of the season. Walker remains an important part of City’s defense, and given the team’s current injury struggles, Guardiola will likely want to retain him to help navigate the challenging period.
Walker’s leadership and experience are crucial for Manchester City as they fight for success in the Premier League and other competitions. A departure in January would be detrimental to the team’s chances, making a summer move more likely.
Despite some struggles this season, Manchester City managed to secure a vital 2-0 win over Leicester City last Sunday, thanks to goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland. Guardiola acknowledged the team’s performance wasn’t ideal but emphasized that winning games is key to getting back to their best form. He also reflected on how difficult the current season has been, noting that the challenges could ultimately make the team stronger in the future.
For now, Walker is expected to remain with Manchester City for the rest of the season. Losing him would further complicate Guardiola’s pursuit of trophies, especially with multiple injury issues already impacting the squad. When the transfer market reopens in the summer, City will have more flexibility to plan for the future, and a move to Saudi Arabia will become a more feasible option for Walker.
