Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has vowed to fight to keep Kyle Walker, who has had approaches from Bayern Munich.
Walker’s contract ends next season and there have been speculations about his potential move to the Bundesliga Champions.
“He’s an incredibly important player for us. He has specific qualities, so difficult to find worldwide. His specific qualities are irreplaceable.” Guardiola said ahead City friendly game against Bayern.
“We want him, yes. In the end, I don’t know what will happen. I know we’re in contact, both clubs, we will fight for him like I’m sure Bayern will do it. I don’t know how it will finish.”
“He’s our player. We need to play against Bayern, we need the best players, why should he not play?” The Manchester City added when asked by journalists if Walker would play against Bayern on Wednesday.
Last season, Walker featuref less for City in the treble-winning campaign as Guardiola introduced a new system which often required use of four-center backs with one stepping into a midfield role in possession.
The 33-year old English right-back featured in only 39 games and started on bench in the UEFA Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
Walker has been at City since 2017 when he was captured from Tottenham Hotspurs for reported fee of £45 million.
He has since won five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League in 2023 as part of a continental treble. He has been named in the PFA Team of the Year three times, in the 2011–12, 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons.
He is also capped 76 times by the England’s National Football team since he made his debut in 2011 in a 1-0 victory over Spain.
