Manchester City captain wants regular football but will be unable to get it at the Etihad
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has agreed to join Everton on a one-year deal that would bring an end to his silverware-laden spell at the Etihad.
The 35-year-old England international is returning to the Premier League after a six-month loan at AC Milan, where he made 14 appearances. Walker still has one year left on his City contract, but he is not guaranteed regular minutes at the club due to his age, hence his preference for a move.
Talks are ongoing between Everton and City to determine whether the deal will be a straight transfer or a season-long loan to see out the final year of his Etihad contract, according to The Sun. By the end of June 2026 he will be a free agent and may then sign for any other club he wishes, although there might be a limited number of them since he will be 36 then.
Fulham were also interested in Walker but could not meet the financial demands of the package.
The City captain has flown to New York for a short break before continuing his summer holiday in Jamaica, with the move to Everton expected to be finalised during his time away.
A source close to City said: “Kyle has been a wonderful servant to the club. He has given everything and was key to the success. But after the disappointment of last season, the club has to rebuild.”
Walker’s City career began in 2017 with a £50m transfer from Tottenham and has seen him lift 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, when City won the treble.
Despite still being under contract, he was omitted from Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad, a clear sign that he was no longer in the manager’s plans.
