Already back for more, Kyle? Quadruple winner Walker steps up his preparations for the new season as he goes for a run with ex-Man City man Michael Brown… just over two weeks since he started England’s Euro qualifier
- Kyle Walker was an integral part of Man City’s Treble-winning side last season
- The England defender has been linked with an exit from the club this summer
- Walker was spotted out on a run ahead of joining up with City for pre-season
Kyle Walker has been pictured getting himself in shape for the 2023-24 season as he was spotted out on a run.
The Manchester City and England defender – who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with both Bayern Munich and Sheffield Untied among the teams interested – is heading into the final year of his contract at the Etihad.
After joining City from Tottenham for £54m in 2017, he has since played more than 250 games for the Treble-winners, winning 12 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He enjoyed a stellar season last year and was crucial during the final few months of the campaign as he worked his way into Pep Guardiola’s side after initially struggling to adapt to the new hybrid system the Spaniard implemented.
And on Wednesday, he was seen on a run in Wimslow, Cheshire, near to his home, ahead of City returning for pre-season in the near future.
Man City defender Kyle Walker was spotted out on a run as he prepares for the 2023-24 season
He was jogging with ex-Sheffield United, Tottenham and City midfielder Michael Brown (right)
Walker was wearing all-black, along with a snapback cap, while he was carrying his phone in his left hand and had white trainers on.
He was pictured with former Spurs, Sheffield United and City midfielder Michael Brown and another individual as they pounded around the streets.
Brown – who works as a pundit – made his name with the Blades, who are Walker’s boyhood club, but the pair never crossed paths in their careers despite playing for three of the same teams.
Walker enjoyed a stellar season last year, although he has been linked with a move away from the club this summer
He was last involved in football during a disappointing stint in charge of Port Vale between 2016-17, before he was sacked after winning just six of his 34 games in charge.
City are set to tour Asia during pre-season, with Guardiola’s side preparing to play two games in Japan later this month – against Yokohama and Bayern Munich – before they then move onto South Korea and face Atletico Madrid in Seoul.
Walker has been linked with a departure from the club after being left out of the starting XI for the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.
The defender played in Man City’s only previous UCL final in 2021, and admitted being ‘disappointed’ at being snubbed – although he did come off the bench during the final 10 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.’
It was reported last month that Bayern were discussing a £15million move to sign him, while Mail Sport reported how Walker would prefer to extend his time at City if possible.
Mail Sport also previously reported that Sheffield United were keen on bringing Walker to Yorkshire, though a move to Munich would allow him to keep playing Champions League football next season.
The Blades are Walker’s hometown club, and would be willing to welcome him back following his exit in 2009, as they adjust to their first season back in the Premier League.
He was part of the City side who lifted the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League
Walker, 33, put in several impressive performances towards the back end of the season
