Kyle Walker ‘in advanced talks to join Bayern Munich’ with boss Thomas Tuchel thought to be ‘key factor’ in Man City defender’s desire to move
- Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to join Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern
- The new boss in Munich is seen as “a key factor” in the possible move
- The defender was missing from Manchester City’s starting line-up in Istanbul
Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to join Bayern Munich, with manager Thomas Tuchel regarded as ‘a key factor’ in the plan to bring the defender to Germany.
Walker was missing from Manchester City’s starting line-up for the Champions League final in Istanbul earlier this month, and there is more speculation that the England star will leave the Premier League champions in the transfer window.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg posted on Twitter that there were important conversations between Tuchel’s Bayern team and Walker’s representatives, although no agreement has yet been reached between the clubs.
The 33-year-old Walker is keen to move permanently, with his absence from Pep Guardiola’s plan for the Champions League showpiece in Turkey being the last straw.
Plettenberg wrote ‘All parties are optimistic to finalize the deal’, as Manchester City looks ahead to try and defend three trophies in the coming season.
Kyle Walker is reportedly in advanced talks to trade Manchester City for Bayern Munich
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly spearheading the plan to bring the defender across
Mail Sport previously reported that Sheffield United were keen to bring Walker to Yorkshire, although a move to Munich would allow him to stay in the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, the Blades are Walker’s home club and would love to welcome him back after his departure in 2009 as they adjust to their first season in the Premier League.
From Sheffield United, Walker moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he remained until joining Manchester City in 2017.
Since then he has made over 250 appearances for the Citizens and won 12 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The defender played in Man City’s only previous UCL final in 2021 and admitted to being ‘disappointed’ after being left out for last weekend’s clash with Inter Milan – although he did come off the bench in the final ten minutes of the match.
Reflecting on the win, the defender said: “We couldn’t work as hard as we did all season to throw him out.
“The boys dug deep. I got a silver medal last time, so to have a gold medal is fantastic.
‘I’m living the dream. My father and mother were in the stands. Where I come from, in Sheffield, it’s not easy for them to be here. I remember Mom didn’t have a pound for the ice cream truck. I am so grateful.
“I am over the moon and rarely speechless, but my dream has just come true. To achieve this with this club, after everything they’ve done for all of us over the years, to win the Treble is incredible.’
Bayern Munich and Manchester City will both defend their league titles next season, with Guardiola’s side starting the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday 6 August.
The schedule for the game against Arsenal was turned upside down by Manchester City supporters, with the 5.30pm kick-off time on Sunday night being particularly difficult for traveling fans from the north of England.