Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal reportedly register an interest in signing a key Manchester City defender just over two weeks before the end of the summer transfer window.
Manchester City are reportedly facing late interest in long-serving defender Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola and his squad are currently preparing for the start of their latest Premier League defence, commencing it with a showdown with Chelsea on Sunday.
The Spaniard is currently not working with the level of options that he would like, partly due to a number of players having only recently returned to training ahead their Euro 2024 efforts.
Furthermore, City are currently contemplating how to replace Julian Alvarez, who has completed a previously-unforeseen switch to Atletico Madrid.
As a result, no further major outgoings are anticipated, yet it appears that the North-West outfit may have to fend off more admiring glances in a key defender.
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Saudi Arabia interest in Walker
According to City Report, who were reporting on X, Walker is the subject of interest from one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs.
Al-Hilal – the defending Saudi Pro League champions – have allegedly identified the England international as someone who they wish to add to their squad.
On the back of their title success in 2023-24, Al-Hilal are yet to make any major additions, already having the likes of Ruben Neves, Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic in their ranks.
The backline also features Kalidou Koulibaly and Renan Lodi, but it appears that they wish to bring in Walker to use at right-back.
While a transfer fee is not mentioned, it may be largely irrelevant given that the key factor could be the decision of the player due to his previously loyalty.
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Walker a City stalwart
Twelve months ago, Walker – who is now 34 years of age – had the opportunity to sign for Bayern Munich, only to turn it down and pen fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola would then make the veteran his club captain and the season ended with Walker lifting the Premier League trophy, as well as reaching 301 appearances in a City shirt.
With two years remaining on his contract, City are in a strong position regarding his future, yet Walker decided a year ago that he wanted to spend the next years at his current club.
He also has the desire of representing boyhood team Sheffield United for a second time before the end of his playing days.