Transfer Talk: Kyle may Walk away from Treble champs City

Kyle Walker's six-year spell at Manchester City could come to an end this summer. 

The England international helped Pep Guardiola's side achieve a historic Treble last season in a dominant campaign for the Citizens.

But the 33-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter under Pep and was restricted to a cameo off the bench in the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.

With Liverpool and Bayern Munich now lurking, we shine the spotlight on the full-back.

Uncertain future

Despite making 39 appearances across all competitions last term — and captaining the Citizens on five occasions — Walker's future is up in the air.

Guardiola is evidently happy to rotate the ex-Tottenham defender, instead preferring a first-choice back four of Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.

The City boss even admitted that Walker is unable to function in his new system, which utilises inverted full-backs.

He said back in April: "To play inside you have to have educated movements, he [Walker] doesn't have every one of the characteristics.

"He has played as a full-back coming inside in the past with four at the back. He has done really well but this shape of three at the back and two in the middle, he cannot do it."

Pass master

But Walker still possesses attributes necessary to excel in a more conventional setup at either Liverpool or Bayern.

The Sheffield-born ace ranked 11th in the Premier League last season for passes completed per 90 minutes (71.23) and 18th for final third passes per 90 (16.75).

Dominating the ball is almost second nature to him, which is ideal for Liverpool and Bayern — who each finished in the top seven for passes made among teams in Europe's top five leagues.

And from a Reds perspective, Walker's proficiency in possession at right-back would allow Jurgen Klopp to play Trent Alexander-Arnold as an out-and-out midfielder.

Speed demon

Even at the age of 33, Walker's pace is a unique selling point for potential suitors.

According to Opta, City's No2 recorded the fastest speed in the Premier League last term, clocking an impressive 37.31km/h.

With Liverpool and Bayern both susceptible to counter-attacks, that kind of pace could prove invaluable.

On his athleticism, Walker said: "I'm not old, I still feel great, fit, bar the injury with my groin before the World Cup. 

"I've kept myself in good shape, I look after myself off the field.

"I work in the gym. I have to thank my parents and their genetics, some players start to slow down. I'm not getting any slower."

Decision time

The numbers suggest Walker is far from finished at the highest level — and that presents him with what would likely be the final big decision of his distinguished career.

Seeing out his City contract, which expires next summer, brings with it a high chance of more silverware.

However, Bundesliga champions Bayern also offer the opportunity to challenge for trophies, while Liverpool look primed to compete for major honours again in 2023-24.

Both fresh challenges will surely appeal to the 75-cap international, especially if they come with the added bonus of increased game time.