Key figure in Kyle Walker’s pending Saudi Arabia decision revealed by Manchester City insider

A decision over ‘when’ to accept a switch to the Saudi Pro League falls on the shoulders of one key figure to Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, according to a new report.

The England international is closing in on the culmination of his 2023/24 season, with England reaching the final stage of the European Championships in Germany, with Spain awaiting on Sunday night.

However, the summer break for Walker will enable the Manchester City captain to once again reassess his immediate term future at the top of professional football, having attracted strong interest from Bayern Munich during the last market.

Having come close to a move to the Allianz Arena, Walker ultimately opted to remain at the Etihad Stadium, signing a new contract and taking on the captain’s armband in the process, although there remains a feeling that a move away from Manchester City remains a possibility.

That could involve accepting an offer from the ever-ambitious Saudi Pro League, with decision makers in the Middle-East handing the 33-year-old an open offer to take up the opportunity of a major lifestyle change in the coming months and years.

But according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, the wife of club captain Walker, Annie Kilner, could have ‘the biggest say’ on ‘when he accepts’ an open offer from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in light of interest from Bayern Munich last summer, Walker has previously confirmed his openness to a Manchester City exit after seven years at the Etihad Stadium, explaining during an interview last September.

“Decisions can be made, things can turn,” Walker said. “It was close but in football things can happen. It wasn’t meant to be. Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course, but this is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years.”

He continued, “Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that’s right for me? That is all I want. It was about who gave me the most years. It wasn’t like I was going to a worse club because Bayern Munich is a massive club and seeing what Harry [Kane] is doing there and will do, it wasn’t a step down.

“In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.”

At present, it remains unknown as to what sort of offer has been presented to Kyle Walker from Saudi Arabia in terms of finances, nor how much Manchester City would expect as a transfer fee for their veteran full-back.