Should Manchester City immediately replace Kyle Walker if he leaves this month? | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s revelation that Kyle Walker could leave Manchester City this month does pose a question: Should Manchester City look to replace their captain immediately if he leaves this month? Right-back has been a problem for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. Walker’s loss of form has contributed to that issue. But if he does depart the world champions this month it would only leave Rico Lewis as a specialist right-back in Pep Guardiola’s squad. So perhaps City will move for a right-back if their captain does leave this month.

It is beginning to appear that Kyle Walker could leave Manchester City this month. Simon Jones has reported for the Daily Mail that AC Milan are considered the favourites to sign the England international. Furthermore, Jones reports that the Serie A giants are prepared to offer Walker a two-and-a-half-year contract. Jones further reports that Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli all have an interest in signing Kyle Walker.

If Kyle Walker does move to AC Milan or the Saudi Pro League it will leave a hole in Manchester City’s squad. Yes, Walker hasn’t been at his best this season. But he is still only one of two specialist right-backs in the City squad. If he does leave perhaps Manuel Akanji or John Stones could step into the position when required. But they’ve both battled fitness issues for the majority of this season. So perhaps they aren’t capable of playing in the position consistently. Although when both are fully fit they could do so. If Walker leaves you would imagine that Rico Lewis would carry a heavy burden. So you do get the sense that Manchester City should sign another right-back if Walker does depart the Etihad this month.

But whether or not they do is another question entirely. Manchester City are currently extremely busy in the transfer market. They need to sign a midfielder and tie up deals for Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Will they have time to sign a right-back? They probably do but it depends on if they deem it a move they must pursue this month.

If Kyle Walker leaves it may create another position for Manchester City to fill this month. It will be determined by how desperately they need a right-back this month if they do. There is a case for them to do so based on the available evidence.