Kyle Walker joins AC Milan on loan from Manchester City
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has officially joined AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season, both clubs announced on Friday.
Milan confirmed they have an option to make the move permanent, with Sky Italy reporting that the transfer fee would be approximately £4.2 million ($5.24 million).
The 34-year-old right-back leaves Manchester City after an illustrious stint, having made 319 appearances since joining Pep Guardiola’s squad in 2017. Walker last played for City in their 4-1 Premier League win against West Ham United on January 4.
Reflecting on his journey, Walker shared heartfelt sentiments on social media:
"Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble, is something I could only have dreamt as a child.
"To Pep, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful."
Despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2023 that ties him to City until 2025, Walker sought a new challenge abroad. Guardiola revealed the defender requested to "explore options to play abroad" after being left out of City's 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City on January 11.
Walker departs amidst a turbulent season for Manchester City, who are currently fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. They also face a tough road in the Champions League following a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
The England international, capped 93 times, was a standout at Euro 2024, playing every minute for the Three Lions as they finished runners-up to Spain. Walker was also the only England player named in the tournament’s Team of the Year.
City’s January transfer window has been particularly active. The club recently signed Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, alongside young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis and Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov.
Walker’s move to AC Milan marks the end of an era at Manchester City and the start of a new chapter in Serie A.
SportsLigue