Kyle Walker, a defender for Manchester City, has been linked to Aston Villa, but Sheffield United is the team most interested in acquiring him this summer
Walker, 32, is open to returning to Bramall Lane. In recent weeks, Walker has slipped down the Etihad hierarchy as Pep Guardiola has preferred players like Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, and John Stones to play the inverted right-back position. Until the summer of 2024, the England international’s contract with City is in effect, and the Manchester club is reportedly happy for him to fulfil the remainder of it.
The reigning Premier League winners are rumoured to have no active plans to sell Walker this summer. Villa wanted to sign the 32-year-old player because Unai Emery wants to expand his alternatives at right-back. The Blades are the team most keen to sign Walker, and if they are promoted to the Premier League, they would want to bring the Bramall Lane academy product back to South Yorkshire.
According to the article, the defender would be open to returning to United, something the player himself suggested while appearing on the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup. Walker’s transfer would be contingent on promotion being approved, and the Blades took a step in that direction last night with their victory over Bristol City.
It currently appears like their confirmation of their return to the top division is only a matter of time given that they have games in hand and a significant advantage over the pursuing teams. Paul Heckingbottom has cited the club’s rapid action during the summer transfer window last year as a major contributor to their success in 2022–23, so it stands to reason that he would like them to perform similarly in the forthcoming window.
The rumoured interest from Villa is a barrier, especially if they manage to qualify for European football under Emery this season, but the knowledge that Walker is open to returning to the Blades is a big help to their chances of closing a deal. If they could complete the deal, it would be a terrific acquisition because the 32-year-old is still a top performer and Gareth Southgate’s first choice right-back for England.
See More:
- Manchester City Top Scorers – Who scored most scored in Man City history?
- Manchester City Top Scorers of all time – Man City highest scorers
