Manchester City’s preparations for the Premier League run-in have hit a surprising snag, with Kyle Walker notably absent from the matchday squad amid reports of a transfer request.
Kyle Walker left out of Manchester City squad following transfer demand

The English defender, a star under Pep Guardiola for several seasons, is rumored to have expressed his desire to leave the club, causing ripples throughout the Etihad Stadium.
Walker’s omission was a glaring one as City faced a crucial fixture this weekend. Fans speculated feverishly on social media, with many wondering if the absence was injury-related.
However, sources close to the club confirmed that Walker’s exclusion was a managerial decision influenced by his recent demand to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Reports suggest that Walker’s decision stems from a lack of regular playing time this season.
The emergence of younger options and Guardiola’s tactical experiments with inverted full-backs have limited his appearances, leaving the 33-year-old feeling undervalued.
Despite his age, Walker’s pace and defensive acumen remain top-tier, qualities that have not gone unnoticed by potential suitors across Europe and even in Saudi Arabia.
Guardiola, known for his pragmatic approach, addressed the issue indirectly during a post-match press conference.
“Every player has their own journey and decisions to make. My job is to focus on the team and those who are committed to our objectives,” he remarked, declining to comment specifically on Walker’s situation.
Walker’s contributions to Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, he has been instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance, racking up four Premier League titles and countless memorable performances. His experience and leadership have been vital both on and off the pitch.
For City fans, the prospect of losing Walker is bittersweet. While they acknowledge his years of service, the timing of this saga adds unwelcome drama to an already high-stakes campaign.
As the January transfer window edges closer, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds.
For now, one thing is certain: the road ahead for Walker and Manchester City promises to be anything but smooth