‘Man City are paying Kyle Walker’s wages at Burnley – he’s on £200,000-a-week’
Manchester City are likely to be paying a portion of Kyle Walker’s wages at Burnley after his Etihad exit.
The 35-year-old left City on a permanent deal last week (5 July), after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola last season.
In January the England international went on loan to AC Milan, but following the conclusion of the campaign, the Italian giants decided against pursuing a long-term agreement.
Instead, Walker made the move to newly-promoted Burnley, for a reported fee of around £5million.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the right-back is a great signing for the Clarets.
Walker wanted to stay where he was
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Man City will be paying some of Walker’s wages at Burnley.
Scott Parker’s side clinched automatic promotion from the Championship last season, only missing out on the title to Leeds on goal difference.
Wyness added that a big reason for the move would’ve been the fact that Walker was able to stay living in the same area.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “From what I understand, Kyle was on about £200,000 a week. I can tell you one thing, Burnley aren’t paying that. That’s for sure.
“I think Alan Pace would probably have a cardiac arrest if he thought he had to pay that sort of wage bill, so there’s no doubt Man City are sponsoring it in some way.
“Now, the rumour is that he’s gone for £5million. He was probably worth more than that, so there’s probably a deal being done about reducing the fee considerably, in return for Burnley paying a big part of his wages.
“Obviously Kyle Walker wanted to stay where he is, living exactly where he is, and that can happen around Burnley, so that’s one of the big reasons.
“I love seeing all these statements from players saying, yeah, I really was excited by the project, and all the rest of it. It’s rubbish. It’s really where they can drive to work, when they’re happy where they are.
“He’s going to add to Burnley. He’s going to be in the Premier League. He’s going to get another season there. I think for Burnley, it’s a great signing. He’s a wise head.
“Overall, it’s good for Burnley and it’s a positive sign. I want all these clubs to come up to compete and do well, and this certainly strengthens their chance to do that, so good luck to them.”
Burnley eye young striker on a free
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Burnley are eyeing a move for former Leyton Orient hot-shot Devine Samuel.
Samuel, 18, finished last season with a superb 20 goals and six assists before joining non-league Harrow Borough on loan towards the end of the campaign where he scored 10 goals in seven games.
The talented forward is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal at Leyton Orient, and Burnley are among a host of clubs considering a move for the prolific forward.