Kyle Walker ‘in advanced talks to join Bayern Munich’, with boss Thomas Tuchel thought to be ‘a key factor’ in Man City defender’s desire to move
- Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to join Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern
- The new boss in Munich is thought to be ‘a key factor’ in the potential switch
- The defender was omitted from Manchester City’s starting line-up in Istanbul
Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to join Bayern Munich, with manager Thomas Tuchel thought to be ‘a key factor’ in the plan to bring the defender to Germany.
Walker was omitted from the Manchester City starting line-up for the Champions League final in Istanbul earlier this month, and it has increased speculation that the England star will exit the Premier League champions in the transfer window.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg posted on Twitter that there were significant talks between Tuchel’s Bayern team and Walker’s representatives, although no agreement between the clubs has been reached yet.
Walker, 33, is thought to be keen on a permanent move, with his absence from Pep Guardiola’s plan for the Champions League showpiece in Turkey being the final straw.
Plettenberg wrote ‘All parties optimistic to finalize the deal’, with Manchester City looking ahead to trying to defend three trophies in the forthcoming season.
Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to trade Manchester City for Bayern Munich
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly spearheading the plan to bring the defender across
Mail Sport previously reported that Sheffield United were keen on bringing Walker to Yorkshire, although a move to Munich would allow him to stay in Champions League football next season.
Meanwhile, the Blades are Walker’s hometown club, and they would be willing to welcome him back following his exit in 2009, as they adjust to their first season back in the Premier League.
From Sheffield United, Walker moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he stayed until joining up with Manchester City in 2017.
He has since played over 250 games for the Citizens, winning 12 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The defender played in Man City’s only previous UCL final in 2021, and admitted being ‘disappointed’ after he was left out for the clash with Inter Milan last weekend – although he did come off the bench in the last ten minutes of the game.
Reflecting on the trophy win, the defender said: ‘We couldn’t work as hard as we did all season to throw it away.
‘The lads dug deep. I got a silver medal last time, so to have a gold one is fantastic.
‘I am living the dream. My mum and dad were in the stands. Where I come from in Sheffield it’s not easy for them to be here. I remember when mum didn’t have a pound for the ice cream van. I am so thankful.
‘I am over the moon and very rarely speechless but my dream has just come true. To achieve this with this club, after everything they have done for all of us over the years, to win the Treble is unbelievable.’
Bayern Munich and Manchester City are both defending their domestic titles next season, with Guardiola’s side starting in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday August 6.
The scheduling for the match against Arsenal was blasted by Manchester City supporters, with the 5.30pm kick-off time on a Sunday evening particularly difficult for travelling fans from the north of England.
