Done Deal Incoming? AC Milan Push to Keep England Star as Manchester City Plot Defensive Overhaul!
England international Kyle Walker has officially drawn the curtain on his distinguished tenure as Manchester City’s first-choice right-back midway through the current campaign. His departure came at a time when the Premier League champions were grappling with a series of serious issues, both in terms of squad fitness and performance across multiple competitions.
Throughout the season, City boss Pep Guardiola has faced a relentless run of injuries and fitness concerns that have plagued his team’s consistency. These setbacks have significantly limited his tactical options and undermined the team’s ability to maintain dominance both domestically and in Europe. As a result, their title defence began to unravel during the winter months, prompting a re-evaluation of squad dynamics.
Amid this backdrop, Walker – who had been entrusted with the captain’s armband following the departure of Ilkay Gündogan – opted for a new challenge. In a bold move during the January transfer window, the veteran defender completed a loan switch to Italian giants AC Milan, with the deal set to run until the end of the season. The move was initially seen as a fresh opportunity for Walker to experience a new footballing culture while potentially extending his playing career at the top level.
While the 33-year-old has reportedly enjoyed the lifestyle and environment in Italy, his time on the pitch has been far less smooth. A string of underwhelming performances and a recent serious injury – a fractured right elbow requiring surgery – have cast doubt on the likelihood of the move becoming permanent. The injury sidelined Walker for several weeks, sparking speculation that Milan may reconsider activating the purchase clause in his loan contract.
However, according to a fresh report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed via Football Italia, AC Milan are still leaning towards securing Walker’s services on a full-time basis this summer. The Italian outlet claims that despite the fitness setback, the Rossoneri remain convinced by Walker’s leadership qualities, experience, and potential value to the squad, especially in European competition.
It is worth noting that the loan agreement between Manchester City and AC Milan included a €5 million option to buy – a relatively modest fee for a player of Walker’s calibre and pedigree. Milan are now believed to be seriously considering triggering that option, confident that the England international can make a meaningful contribution once fully recovered.
On the flip side, Milan are also preparing for potential exits. France international Theo Hernandez is reportedly attracting interest from other major European clubs, and with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, Milan may be open to offers rather than risk losing him on a free. The club’s stance suggests that they are planning for a mini-rebuild of their full-back positions, with Walker potentially offering experience and stability on the right flank.
As for Manchester City, the outlook is clear. Even if Walker were to return to the Etihad Stadium this summer, he is unlikely to be reintegrated into the first-team picture. The club is already shifting its focus to the next generation of defenders and is expected to be active in the transfer market with reinforcements in mind.
Two names have emerged as possible targets. Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso is reportedly on City’s radar, with the 24-year-old earning plaudits for his performances in Serie A. Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie is admired by several figures within the City hierarchy. Both players are seen as capable of bringing energy, dynamism, and long-term potential to Guardiola’s evolving back line.
As the summer window approaches, the futures of Kyle Walker and several high-profile defenders hang in the balance, with both AC Milan and Manchester City preparing for important decisions that could shape their respective defensive units for seasons to come.
