Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City after the defender expressed a desire to “explore the option of playing abroad and ending his career”.
Guardiola confirmed Walker’s wishes to seek a new experience in his post-match comments following City’s 8-0 thrashing of Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad on Saturday.
The City boss also singled out Salford-born midfielder James McAtee for praise after the 22-year-old scored a second-half hat-trick in the emphatic win.
Jeremy Doku (2), Jack Grealish, Nico O’Reilly and debutant Divin Mubama completed the scoring as City continued their strong start to 2025.
FULL TIME | In the hat 🎩
🩵 8-0 🔴 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/uVvzcCGHIs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 11, 2025
However, they could soon be without Walker, who was left out of the matchday squad after his manager said the 34-year-old – who has made more than 200 appearances for the club – has asked to leave the Etihad after eight years .
“Two days ago Kyle (Walker) asked to explore the option of playing abroad and ending his career,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed that the England international had asked to leave following interest from Bayern Munich following City’s treble triumph in 2023.
“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this?” said the city manager.
“But now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all.”
“He’s asking to explore (his options) so it might not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I have a lot of respect. I am more than grateful for what he has done for us over many years.
“But he’s said he wants to explore in his mind and heart and he wants to explore that. Fair? I don’t know what will happen.”
Hat-trick for James McAtee! ⚽️⚽️⚽️#MCISAL #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Pg1eILQEzy
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2025
Speaking about McAtee’s performance, Guardiola added: “I’m very happy for him, he’s a special player.
“Getting a hat-trick is not easy. It started off a bit flat I would say, but then it feels incredible in front of the goal. He has the right pace, he changed the pace to score and he is very happy for him.”
“He’s been a City supporter, in the academy for many, many years. He was one of the greatest talents of his generation, Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap.
“He played with these guys and was always their leader. I’m really, really happy that he’s here with us.”
City will be hoping to extend their winning streak to four games when they travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.
