Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has officially asked to leave Manchester City after seven years at the club.
Walker was left out of the squad for City’s FA Cup tie against fellow Greater Manchester outfit, Salford City, which ended up being an 8-0 demolition featuring a number of youngsters.
Naturally, with the January transfer window open and the England international playing increasingly less of a key role in Guardiola’s current team, his absence was one of the first questions put to Pep in his post-match press conference.
He didn’t dance around the subject either, stating simply: “It isn’t for me to say because [it should come from him] but two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play aboard [for] the end of his career”.
Going on to reiterate that Walker actually put in a transfer request a couple of seasons ago, which the former Spurs man himself has been open about previously despite the offer(s) ultimately falling short of satisfaction for both parties, Pep intimated that the wheels are pretty much already in motion.
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His pace, power and positional sense might be on a gradual decline – it happens to virtually every player eventually – but his experience and exposure to winning every club trophy there is to win is invaluable and will likely see plenty of suitors who’ll look to capitalise on this, as well as his seniority and leadership.
Guardiola was full of nothing but admiration for the footballing veteran in his response either, reiterating that the club told him “how important he was” when the German giants first approached him, adding that “we cannot understand the success [City] have had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible.”
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Nevertheless, with the intention of leaving now firmly in his mind, the Catalan coach insisted that he prefers to “play other players whose mind is here [with the club]” – hence why Walker was one of those omitted from the matchday squad.
Walker, now 34 and entering what many call the ‘twilight years’ of his career, will no doubt receive plenty of interest from around Europe and beyond. The Sheffield-born full-back made it known he was close to joining Bayern Munich after the Treble but whether or not they’d go back in for him is still unclear.
The Catalan coach went on to explain that his go-to right-sided defender has already contacted Man City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain (who is also set to leave at the end of the current campaign) about leaving and fans can only assume he’ll be exiting before this month.
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Bayern have already recruited two former players from that talented Tottenham team under Mauricio Pochettino, with Harry Kane and Eric Dier now well accustomed to the Bundesliga, it remains to be seen whether reuniting all three is in their minds.
Alternatively, other clubs and countries thought to be keen on Kyle Walker include AC Milan – who are also said to be courting Marcus Rashford – and several Saudi sides. The MLS is also thought to be a likely destination for the seasoned pro.
No matter where he goes, with six Premier League titles, a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup; two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and a couple of Community Shields to his name, he’ll leave the Etihad knowing he’s achieved everything there is to achieve.
Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).
“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.
“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Danny Jones -
12th January 2025 
