Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has revealed he was “close” to joining Bayern Munich this summer after speculation over his future throughout the window but is now set to sign a new contract extension after all.
The long-serving Cityzen and England fullback is now one of the more senior players in Pep Guardiola‘s squad, having been there for six years and won everything there is to win with the club, but has now confirmed that talk of him going to the German giants wasn’t just concrete, it was nearly a done deal.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Man City’s emphatic 5-1 win over Fulham (yes, yet another hattrick from Erling Haaland), Walker said: “Decisions can be made, things can turn. It was close but in football, things can happen — it wasn’t meant to be.”
The 33-year-old is now set to sign his new deal in the coming days, one which will see him extend his stay at the Etihad until at least 2026.
Walker spoke for 15 minutes about:
📌 Bayern move being ‘close’ 📌 Ready to sign new City deal 📌 His views on the captaincy 📌 How he’s changed as a leader 📌 City going again after treble 📌 What more they could’ve done last season
Kyle Walker confirmed he will be extending his City contract after nearly joining Bayern.
The fan favourite Blue and England international told reporters, “Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would, but this is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years.”
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On the other hand, Walker admitted, “Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that’s right for me? That is all I want: I want to play football. I love the game and want to play, whether that’s here, Germany, Italy, Spain or in the Championship.”
“I wanted to play football so if I don’t feel that I am getting enough game time whether that is on X amount of pounds or no pounds… The money, I don’t care about it. You might say that’s a cliché, but I don’t care about it. I am just worried about my happiness and playing football.”
The former Spurs and Sheffield United right-back went on to say: “In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.”
After moving past the Bayern discussion, Walker reaffirmed the love for his time spent in Manchester thus far, assuring that the contract extension “is coming” whilst adding, “It’s my seventh season here and I feel like one of the old ones.”
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“I love the place. I’ve experienced things I only dreamt of here – especially the last season – so why would you want to leave a club like this?” Midfielder Bernardo Silva found himself in a similar situation at the start of the season with interest from all over Europe but has also decided to stay for a while longer.
He also assured that he would never try and force a move to another club, insisting: “I am a Manchester City player. I am contracted to them so what do you want me to do? Turn around and say ‘I am not playing because I want to force a move to Bayern Munich’? That is not me as a person.
“I have a contract with the club and I will play for the club until the contract [ends] or they sell me – and I wasn’t sold.” Walker has also been pulling on the captain’s armband after Ilkay Gündogan bid goodbye after seven years and replacement Kevin de Bruyne is out injured.
Featured Image — Kyle Walker (via Instagram)/Bayern Munich
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Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Danny Jones -
4th September 2023 
