Kyle Walker is keen to remain in Europe after leaving Man City (Image: Getty)
has reportedly decided the preferred location of his next club after telling he wants to leave .
The Blues skipper has endured a tough season, with a string of mistakes leading to goals in City’s torrid run leading up to the New Year. Now, with 18 months left on his deal and his 35th birthday fast approaching, Walker is keen to take on a new challenge during the final stages of his career.
are understood to be at the front of the queue in the race for Walker’s signature, while hold a long-standing interest in the international.
Saudi Pro League sides Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli have been linked too. But according to , Walker has decided he wants to remain in Europe, effectively ruling those three clubs out of the transfer race.
The right-back’s decision hints at the true motive behind his City exit, and securing a late-career payday is not it. Instead, he wants to try a new setting, having spent his whole career in England and played regular football since 2011.
Walker, who is still the City captain, boasts six Premier Leagues, six domestic cups and a Champions League title in more than 300 first-team appearances for the reigning champions of England.
Kyle Walker was left out of Man City’s FA Cup win over Salford (Image: Getty)
Despite Walker’s individual struggles this term, fellow City defender Nathan Ake is adamant that he will be a big miss. “He’s a big player for us, a big character,” said the Dutchman. “He is a good guy as well, I’m very good [friends] with him.
“Let’s see what happens. There’s no doubt he’s been a massive player for us over the years. This year as well, a big character in the squad. He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he’s been a top player for this club.”
Guardiola also paid huge compliments to the veteran full-back when announcing his desire to leave following City’s 8-0 thrashing of Salford in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
“We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle,” explained the former Barcelona boss. “It’s impossible. He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have. But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”