Is it imperative that Manchester City bring in cover for Kyle Walker this summer? | OneFootball

Has it become imperative that Manchester City find another right-back to support Kyle Walker this summer? City’s captain is currently on international duty with England at the European Championships. But while Walker has an important role to play for Gareth Southgate’s side it does appear that Father Time may slowly be catching up to the full-back. If that is the case then the champions may need to bring in support for Kyle Walker this summer.

There were times during the 23/24 season when Walker was below his best for Manchester City. Compared to previous seasons at the club for Walker, last season wasn’t one of the best for the right-back. It appeared that Walker’s concentration levels had dropped during the 23/24 and at times he was caught out of position which proved costly for Pep Guardiola’s side. In previous seasons Walker’s pace would get him out of such tricky situations. Last season, however, too many times the champions paid a price for Walker’s lack of concentration at the back.

Walker hasn’t been at his dynamic best for England at Euro 24. He put in a poor display during England’s 2-1 round of 16 win over Slovakia. At times he was tormented by Slovakian winger Lukas Haraslin. That has been a rare sight until last season and this summer. He also had a similar performance for Manchester City during their pivotal 2-nil win over Nottingham Forest late in the 23/24 season. Are those performances a sign of age beginning to catch up to Kyle Walker? The answer to that question may seal City’s decision to move for another right-back this summer.

Would Manchester City buy another right-back or offer Rico Lewis more opportunities next season?

If age and Father Time are catching up to Kyle Walker then the world champions must find support for their captain this summer. It can’t be expected that Walker carries such a heavy workload during the 24/25 season. But where do Manchester City find support for one of their warriors? That is an interesting point to investigate.

There is the option of a player such as Rico Lewis being given more opportunities. The City Academy graduate is capable of playing more for the Premier League champions. Lewis rarely lets Pep Guardiola down when he is called upon. He could be the player to step up more next season to support Walker. There is also the option of Manuel Akanji or John Stones filling in at right-back. Both players can play there if required.

Manchester City could also bring in a player to add a different dimension at right-back. Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong has previously been linked with a move to the champions. Will Lancaster has previously relayed a report from Dean Jones for GIVEMESPORT that City could move for Frimpong this summer. There is no doubt that Frimpong would add a different dimension to Pep Guardiola’s squad. He could also provide support for Walker when required. Given that Frimpong is a different type of player to Walker they could give Pep Guardiola an option for a variety of occasions.

Summary

Based on last season’s performances from Kyle Walker it does appear that City do need to bring in support for their right-back. Walker has been a warrior for the club during his spell at the Etihad. But Father Time waits for no one. If Walker’s legs are beginning to slow then it would be to his and Manchester City’s benefit if they bring in support for the England international. It appears to be a question of is that support a current player in the City squad or do they bring someone in. That looks to be the story to watch for in the coming weeks.