Guardiola confirms Kyle Walker wants to explore options abroad

Pep Guardiola revealed Kyle Walker is set to leave Manchester City after the defender expressed a desire to “explore the option to play abroad and end his career”.

Guardiola confirmed Walker’s wishes to seek out a new experience during 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

But they could soon be without Walker, who was missing from the matchday squad, after his manager said the 34-year-old – who has amassed 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 to play abroad and end his career,” Guardiola said.

Guardiola also revealed that the England international had asked about departing after interest from Bayern Munich following City’s treble triumph in 2023.

“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this?” the City manager said.

“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 may not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I respect a lot. I am more than grateful what he has done for many years for us.

“But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart and wants to explore it. Honestly? I don’t know what is going to happen.”

A 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 so happy for him, he’s a special player.

“Making a hat-trick is not easy. He started a bit flat I would say, but after he has an incredible sense in front of the goal. He has the right tempo, changed the rhythm to score and really happy for him.”

“He’s a City supporter, in the academy for many, many years. He was one of the biggest talents for his generation of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap.

“He was playing with these guys and always he was the captain of them. I’m really, really pleased he’s here with us.”

City will be hoping to extend their winning run to four games when they travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday.