Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with AC Milan for the loan of Kyle Walker, allowing the veteran full-back to join the Serie A giants for the remainder of the season, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Pep Guardiola recently revealed Walker’s desire to end his career abroad after leaving the 34-year-old out of the FA Cup victory over Salford City earlier this month. Milan quickly emerged as the frontrunners for Walker’s signature, despite brief speculation that Inter might attempt to hijack the move.
Walker, eager to embrace the opportunity, gave his approval to Milan’s initial approach. According to reports, a paid loan deal has now been finalized, including an “easily achievable purchase option.”
The England international is expected to arrive in Milan as early as Wednesday (January 22) to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of the transfer.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have moved swiftly to secure defensive reinforcements. Deals for Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were confirmed this week, and a third signing, highly rated AIK Freetong centre-back Juma Bah, is reportedly on the horizon.
Walker’s trademark pace, which has been a cornerstone of his game, appears to have waned this season. Guardiola hasn’t started him in a Premier League match since City’s late collapse against Manchester United in December. Despite this, his experience and leadership are set to leave a significant void, as acknowledged by teammate Nathan Ake, who described Walker’s departure as “massive.”
City’s incoming defenders are hailed as some of the brightest prospects in world football, with Khusanov, the oldest of the trio, still only 20 years old.
