Kyle Walker, the 34-year-old defensive stalwart for Manchester City, could be playing his final season at the Etihad Stadium. Despite being under contract until 2026, there are strong indications that the England international may not be offered an extension beyond his current deal, raising questions about his future at the club. Having already come close to joining Bayern Munich 18 months ago, Walker’s time at City seems to be winding down, but he remains a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s side. The looming question now is, how much longer will he remain at the club?
Speculation surrounding Walker’s next move has intensified, with reports suggesting that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli is keen on securing the services of the pacey full-back. This would be another major coup for the Saudi league, which has already attracted several high-profile European players in recent seasons, thanks to its enormous financial clout. For Walker, who has been a key figure in Manchester City’s domestic and European success since his arrival in 2017, the prospect of a move to the Middle East could provide both a lucrative payday and a fresh start away from the media spotlight that has increasingly focused on his personal life.
### Walker’s Journey at Manchester City
Kyle Walker’s arrival at Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for a reported £50 million marked a turning point in his career. Since then, he has become one of the most dependable full-backs in European football, known for his incredible speed, defensive acumen, and ability to contribute offensively when needed. His six goals and 23 assists in 308 games for City may not seem like monumental numbers, but Walker’s influence goes far beyond raw statistics. He has been an integral part of a City team that has dominated English football over the past decade, winning six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and, finally, the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2023.
Moreover, Walker’s versatility has often seen him deployed as a center-back in Guardiola’s hybrid defensive systems, where his pace has allowed City to play a high line and press opponents aggressively. This tactical flexibility, combined with his leadership qualities, earned him the captain’s armband at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, further highlighting his importance within the squad.
However, with City continuously evolving and investing in younger talents, Walker’s future in Guardiola’s long-term plans has become uncertain. The club has already bolstered its defense with younger options like Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji, suggesting that City may be preparing for life without Walker sooner rather than later. Given that he is now in the twilight years of his career, the timing of a potential move away from the Etihad seems inevitable.
### A New Chapter in the Saudi Pro League?
If Walker does decide to leave Manchester City, a move to the Saudi Pro League could be on the cards. Al-Ahli, one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia, has reportedly identified Walker as a prime target. The Saudi league has been aggressively targeting European stars, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté already making the switch. For Walker, the financial incentives are staggering. According to reports, the England international could see his current £175,000-per-week salary at Manchester City more than double to £400,000-per-week if he agrees to join Al-Ahli.
Such a deal would not only make him one of the highest-paid players in world football but would also allow him to experience a new footballing culture and environment. The Saudi league, once considered a retirement destination for aging stars, is now positioning itself as a genuine competitor on the global stage, thanks to its financial backing and ambition to raise the profile of football in the region.
City, for their part, are unlikely to stand in Walker’s way if he chooses to make the move. The club would reportedly accept a modest transfer fee of around £15 million for the six-time Premier League winner, a small sum considering his experience and achievements. This low asking price reflects both Walker’s advancing age and City’s willingness to let a club legend decide his own future. For City, offloading Walker would also ease their wage bill and allow them to further invest in younger talent as they continue to refresh their squad for future challenges.
### A Fresh Start Off the Pitch?
A move to Saudi Arabia could also provide Walker with a much-needed escape from the relentless scrutiny of the English press. In recent years, Walker’s personal life has been the subject of numerous headlines, and a change of scenery could offer him a reprieve from the pressures of life in the Premier League spotlight. In Saudi Arabia, where the football culture is still developing and the media focus is less intense, Walker would have the opportunity to focus solely on his football while enjoying the financial rewards that come with the move.
Moreover, with the Saudi Pro League growing in prominence, Walker’s presence would add further credibility to a league that is actively seeking to attract global attention. His leadership, experience, and defensive prowess would undoubtedly make him one of the most high-profile players in the competition, contributing to its rising status as a destination for top talent.
### Conclusion
Kyle Walker’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain, but with interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli and City’s willingness to let him go, a move could be on the horizon. While Walker’s contributions to City’s success over the past seven years cannot be overstated, football is a game of cycles, and it appears that Walker’s time at the Etihad may be nearing its natural conclusion.
A move to the Saudi Pro League would not only offer Walker a fresh start away from the English media but also provide him with an opportunity to become one of the highest-paid players in the world. For the 34-year-old full-back, it could be the perfect way to wind down a glittering career, while still competing at a high level and enjoying a lucrative payday. As Manchester City continues to evolve, Walker’s next chapter could very well be written in the Middle East.