‘Man City to pay up Kyle Walker for Everton free transfer’
Man City look like they will have to take a financial hit to help Kyle Walker leave the club and sign for Everton.
The right-back was loaned out to AC Milan in the January transfer window, having struggled for Pep Guardiola‘s side during the first half of the campaign.
However, the Italian side elected against taking up the option to sign the England international on a permanent deal this summer.
As a result, he is now due to return to Man City, where he has a year remaining on his contract, although the club could take action to ensure he moves elsewhere.
Everton chasing Kyle Walker deal
Earlier this week, Football Insider reported that Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs who want to sign Walker during the summer transfer window.
It has since also been suggested that the Man City star is keen on joining David Moyes’ side, although finances may be an issue.
Fulham also made an approach for Walker but are unable to afford his wages, ending their pursuit of him.
Now, it appears that Everton still have some way to go if they are to sign the right-back, and may be relying on Man City taking a financial setback if they are to do so.
That may be the case even if Walker‘s contract at the Etihad is terminated a year early this summer to allow him to move on a free transfer.
Providing an update on the Toffees’ pursuit of the 35-year-old while speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook said: “I don’t think this is quite as close as maybe some people are reporting.
“There’s not been any formal contact yet between Everton and Man City, but certainly we can say that Kyle Walker is the player that David Moyes admires.
“They’ve got an opportunity on that right-hand side of defence because Ashley Young on a free transfer, but I think wages would be an issue.
“Not just with Kyle Walker, but with Jack Grealish as well, he’s wanted by Napoli. But I think if those players go out on loan, or even in Kyle Walker’s case if he agrees to terminate the final year of his contract, I think Man City are going to have to top up the wages for the next year or so.”
Man City will want departure sorted
Football Insider Verdict
While it is a frustrating situation for them, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Man City did pay up to allow Walker to leave this summer.
There can be no denying they need a right-back ahead of next season, but the England international’s performances during the 2024/25 made it clear he can no longer fill that role to the required standard.
Indeed, Football Insider recently reported that there is “no way back” for Walker at Man City under Guardiola, so it makes little sense to keep him around on the sidelines for another season.
With that in mind, they may have to take a loss here and pay up to let the right-back go, something they should at least have the funds available to do judging by their investment during the window so far.