Kyle Walker has officially completed a loan move to AC Milan, with the Serie A club securing an option to buy the England defender for £4.2 million at the end of the season. Milan will also cover the 34-year-old’s £175,000-a-week wages during his stint at San Siro.
Walker’s decision to leave Manchester City follows his request earlier this month to explore opportunities elsewhere. The veteran defender reportedly turned down multiple offers, including lucrative deals from the Saudi Pro League, before agreeing to join Milan under the condition of a potential two-year contract if he performs well this season.
Struggling to replicate his best form for City this season, Walker’s move comes after Pep Guardiola expressed surprise at his departure. Speaking prior to City’s FA Cup match against Salford, Guardiola commented, “It’s not easy for me to say, but Kyle is not here because two days ago he asked to explore the option to play abroad. He’s been important for us and the national team, but he wanted to explore something new.”
Guardiola added, “City’s policy is not to keep players who want to leave. Kyle approached Txiki Begiristain with this request, and while nothing is guaranteed, we respect his decision.”
Walker’s loan places him in a squad that includes fellow English players Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Despite Milan’s current struggles—they sit eighth in Serie A—the team recently appointed Sergio Conceição as head coach and remain in contention for the Champions League knockout stages.
Off the field, the move also presents Walker an opportunity to focus on mending his relationship with his wife, Annie Kilner. The couple, who share four children, have faced public challenges due to Walker’s affair with TV personality Lauryn Goodman, with whom he has two children.
On the field, Walker could make his Serie A debut as early as Sunday against Parma. Milan will hope his experience bolsters their defensive lineup.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have already begun reinforcing their defense this transfer window, signing Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £29.6 million and Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34 million. The club is also reportedly pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush in a deal worth £50 million.
Walker’s departure marks the end of another chapter in his illustrious career, as he looks to make his mark in Italy and potentially secure his place in England’s squad for next year’s World Cup.
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