Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City after the defender expressed a desire to “explore the possibility of playing abroad and ending his career”.
Guardiola confirmed Walker’s desire to seek new experience during his post-match comments following City’s 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad on Saturday.
The City boss also praised Salford-born midfielder James McAtee after the 22-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick in the emphatic victory.
Jeremy Doku (2), Jack Grealish, Nico O’Reilly and debutant Divin Mubama completed the scoring as City continued their strong start to 2025.
FULL TIME | In the hat 🎩
🩵 8-0 🔴 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/uVvzcCGHIs
-Manchester City (@ManCity) January 11, 2025
But they could soon find themselves without Walker, missing from the matchday squad, after his manager said the 34-year-old – who has racked up more than 200 appearances for the club – had asked to leave the Etihad after eight years.
“Two days ago, Kyle [Walker] “He was asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad and ending his career,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed that the England international had requested his departure following interest from Bayern Munich following City’s treble triumph in 2023.
“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this? the city manager said.
“But now, in his mind, he would like to explore another country. For this reason, I prefer to play against other players whose spirit is there, that’s all.
“He asks to explore [his options] so it might not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I respect it a lot. I am beyond grateful for what he has done for us over many years.
“But he said he wanted to explore in his mind and in his heart and he wanted to explore it. Honestly? I don’t know what’s going to happen.
A hat-trick for James McAtee! ⚽️⚽️⚽️#MCISAL #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Pg1eILQEzy
– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2025
Speaking about McAtee’s performance, Guardiola added: “I’m so happy for him, he’s a special player.
“Achieving a hat-trick is not easy. He started a little flat I would say, but then he had an incredible sense in front of goal. He has the right tempo, changed the pace to score and is really happy for himself.
“He’s a City supporter, at the academy for many, many years. He was one of the greatest talents of his generation of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap.
“He played with those guys and he was always the captain. I’m really happy he’s here with us.
City hope to extend their winning run to four games when they travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.
