Manchester City will reportedly only move for a new right-back if Kyle Walker leaves but is it the right move? | OneFootball

A quick look at the current Manchester City squad ahead of the 24/25 season shows there are little weaknesses in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The champions could do with quality cover for Rodri. That is well known. But another area where City could seemingly do with another player is at right-back. But will the champions move for another right-back this summer? That is something to ponder going forward.

On closer inspection, Manchester City looks well-stocked for players who can play at right-back. Currently, the champions have Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and John Stones who can play in the role. Each player brings their own strengths to the position. But despite there appearing to be quality options at the position for Pep Guardiola there are several factors to consider that could see City benefit from a move for a right-back this summer.

First of all, Kyle Walker is getting on in age. The England international has been a key contributor for Manchester City since arriving at the club from Tottenham. Despite his exceptional fitness eventually Father Time catches every player. It would be a surprise if Walker was played as often as he was last season given his age and having had a busy summer with England at the European Championships. That appears to be one issue for Manchester City at right-back.

Another interesting point is City’s other three options at right-back. John Stones and Manuel Akanji do their best work as centre-backs. Rico Lewis appears to be destined for a career as a midfielder. While all three players can fill in at right-back they appear better suited to other roles. So based on the available information it appears that City will need another right-back. But will they move for one this summer? A new report suggests that isn’t likely.

A new report suggests that Manchester City will only move for a new right-back if Kyle Walker leaves this summer.

Sam Lee has reported for the Athletic in their weekly Transfer DealSheet segment that Manchester City are interested in Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong. But Lee further reports that City will only step up their interest in Frimpong if Kyle Walker departs this summer.

It remains to be seen if Kyle Walker does leave Manchester City this summer. As it stands it appears quiet on any possible departure for the England international. But like everything in the transfer market that situation could change quickly.

But based on the current make-up of the Manchester City squad it does appear that the champions do need another right-back. Whether or not they do move for another player remains to be seen. Sam Lee’s report suggests City will only move it will take the departure of Kyle Walker for the champions to move for Jeremie Frimpong. Time will tell if that is the right move or not.