With Kyle Walker heading for the exit door, Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga talent who could solve Pep Guardiola’s right-back problem.
Walker set to leave Man City
After spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Milan, reports have indicated that Walker is expected to leave the Etihad on a permanent basis this summer, even if the Serie A giants decide against triggering their buy option.
The former Man City captain will bow out alongside Kevin De Bruyne as an incredible era of success begins to come to an end under Pep Guardiola.
The veteran right-back will go down as one of the best in his position in Premier League history and earned the praise of Guardiola even as he headed for the exit door in January.
The City boss told reporters back in January when Walker asked to leave the club: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad.
“We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have. But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”
|
Kyle Walker’s Man City achievements |
Times Won (via Transfermarkt) |
|---|---|
|
Premier League |
17/18, 18/19, 20/21, 21/22, 22/23, 23/24 |
|
UEFA Super Cup |
23/24 |
|
FA Cup |
2019, 2023 |
|
League Cup |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
|
Community Shield |
18/19, 19/20 |
|
Champions League |
22/23 |
|
Club World Cup |
2024 |
After a sensational run, all good things must come to an end, and Manchester City must now turn their attention towards solving their right-back problem once and for all this summer.
Guardiola cannot afford to turn towards the likes of Matheus Nunes if he is to take his side back to the top of English football. Instead, he could have the chance to call on one particular Bundesliga talent.
Man City join race to sign Kiliann Sildillia
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are now racing to sign Kiliann Sildillia from SC Freiburg alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Just 22 years old, the right-back is reportedly valued at around €16m (£14m) and is likely to be granted a departure from Freiburg when the summer transfer window swings open.
Dubbed a “complete full-back” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig when he was just 20 years old, Sildillia has only improved since then and has deservedly earned the interest of some of the Premier League’s best sides.
With a decision to make, Manchester City will be hoping that the young defender chooses to work with Guardiola like many have in the past and many will likely go on to do.
