Kyle Walker closes in on shock Burnley transfer as defender undergoes medical before expected Manchester City exit

Kyle Walker Manchester City 2024-25

Burnley are reportedly on the brink of completing a deal for England veteran Kyle Walker, who is undergoing medical examinations ahead of sealing a switch from Manchester City. The 35-year-old right-back is expected to join the Premier League newcomers on a permanent basis with a two-year contract on the table.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The proposed transfer will reunite Walker with Burnley head coach Scott Parker, with whom he shared a dressing room at Tottenham Hotspur during the early 2010s. The deal is reportedly structured to reward City with up to £5 million ($6.8m) in add-ons and bonuses, depending on performance milestones and appearances, as reported by The Athletic.

Manchester City FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Walker’s contract at City was set to run out in 2026, but with no plans for an extension, both parties have opted to part ways amicably. His loan spell to AC Milan failed to reignite his form and the Italian side subsequently chose not to activate the buy clause to keep him permanently at San Siro.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since arriving from Tottenham in 2017, Walker has featured in 319 matches for City, firmly establishing himself as a dependable performer in one of Europe’s most competitive squads. As one of the club’s highest earners and a longstanding presence in the dressing room, the club could reportedly trim their wage expenditure by an estimated £10m ($13.5m) with Walker's departure. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Walker collected 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League title in 2022-23.

Kyle Walker

WHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?

For Walker, this move represents a chance to embrace a fresh challenge while continuing to compete at an elite level. He remains an integral part of the national team setup as current England manager Thomas Tuchel has consistently selected him. An upsurge in form at Turf Moor could ensure he gets his ticket to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.