“Now set to remain at Manchester City for the new campaign” – Journo drops major in-house update from the Etihad

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is set to remain at the Etihad Stadium despite previously agreeing to join Bayern Munich, according to an update from journalist Sam Lee of The Athletic.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed an incredible career at the Eithad since joining from Tottenham back in 2017, winning all there is to win in the game, including a historic treble last season. He has made 255 appearances in total, becoming one of the best full-backs in Europe in that time, combining unstoppable speed with an ability to keep the most dangerous wingers on the planet quiet, from Vinicius Jr to Neymar.

Walker’s City future has been up in the air this summer, however, with a move to Bayern Munich potentially on the cards, as he eyes up a possible new challenge in his career. His current deal expires next summer, at which point he will be able to depart on a free transfer, if he hasn’t agreed an extension with the Cityzens at that point.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding the England’s international’s future – one that could be met positively by City supporters.

According to The Athletic, despite Bayern Munich’s attempts to sign the 33-year-old, Walker is now set to remain at Manchester City for the new campaign.

As per the report, Walker had last month verbally agreed terms with the Bundesliga champions after commencing talks over a potential summer move in June. But the clubs had not settled on a fee at that stage and the 33-year-old has changed his mind as it stands, following talks with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Walker had previously accepted personal terms tabled by Bayern Munich, and the German club had discussed a potential £13 million transfer fee, however that was never agreed by the two clubs despite talks having taken place in Far East Asia during pre-season.

In additional details provided by Fabrizio Romano, it is further claimed that City’s new contract bid is tempting Walker, and the defender is now expected to stay and sign that new deal.

German football journalist Christian Falk has further stated that Walker has now informed Bayern Munich of his decision to remain at Manchester City for the forthcoming campaign, and potentially beyond.

This is huge news for City, with Walker someone who it would be far more beneficial to keep hold of than lose this summer, considering he remains such an influential figure. At 33, he doesn’t appear to have lost much of the incredible pace that he has always possessed, and it is such a huge weapon for Pep Guardiola, allowing him to mop up potential threats on the counter-attacking from opposition teams.

Manchester City begin their latest Premier League title bid against Burnley on Friday night, and Walker is also in contention to become club captain, following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona.