Man City take risky option after deciding to stall on new contract talks for key Pep Guardiola man

Manchester City have reportedly decided to wait until next year to sort out the future of experienced defender Kyle Walker.

The 32-year-old will be out of contract in the summer of 2024 but despite remaining as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice right-back, City have decided to wait until after the winter World Cup to open talks to extend his stay.

The report in the Daily Star states that Walker’s age and recent injury record is behind the decision.

Walker has been missing through September after picking up an injury issue in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Despite that, he has still been selected in the England squad to face Italy and Germany in the Nations League.

The former Tottenham man’s injury record has actually been a good one since he moved to The Etihad. Walker joined City from Spurs in a £50million deal in 2017.

World Cup could play pivotal role in Walker decision

However, Walker is now considered to be in the twilight of his career. And with that being case, City want to see how he copes with the demands of the World Cup in Qatar before opening talks over a new contract.

The pacy defender will be almost 34 by the time his current deal runs out. To that end, the Star adds that City are looking to see how long Walker will look to continue his England career before committing to extending his stay.

Walker has been a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s defence since 2018. Indeed, his versatility has seen him play in a back three, in his normal right-back role or as a wing-back.

He has won 68 caps in total after making his debut in 2011 against Spain. But during the last five years, Walker has also been a constant in the City line-up.

He has won an impressive four Premier League, four League Cups and an FA Cup during that time.

City in no rush over Walker deal

The report adds that both parties are ‘relaxed’ regarding the long-term future. However, they are aware that things need to be sorted before next summer.

There is a temptation on the horizon of Walker returning to boyhood club Sheffield United for one last hoorah.

The Blades are currently riding high at the top of the Championship and a return to the Premier League for United could be too good an opportunity for Walker to turn down in the latter stages of his career.

Walker and City are back in Premier League action when they take on rivals Manchester United at The Etihad on October 2, after the conclusion of the international fixtures.

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