Three possible replacements for Kyle Walker at Man City

Cameron Smith

12 Jan 2025 21:30 GMT
4 min read

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave the club during the January transfer window.

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The England international has spent the last seven-and-a-half years at the Etihad Stadium, but he is now eager to depart in order to join a club in Europe.

“Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad,” Guardiola admitted after Man City’s 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

“We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle. It's impossible. He's been our right-back, giving us something we didn't have. But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.

When asked if Walker would be allowed to leave Man City this month, Guardiola told reporters: “Of course.

“It doesn't mean it's going to happen because you never know the situation. But I am pretty convinced there's no-one in our job that doesn't want to be there who can perform and be exactly what they want to be.”

AC Milan are among the clubs interested in signing Walker before the end of the January transfer window, while several teams in the Saudi Pro League are also eager to land the 34-year-old this month.

With Walker now expected to leave Man City, FootballTransfers runs through three players who could replace him at the Etihad Stadium.

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

Over the past few years, Guardiola has typically asked his full-backs to either invert into midfield or tuck inside as a third central defender.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong wouldn't fulfil either of those roles particularly well, but he could be used as virtually an extra forward whenever Man City need an added boost of attacking verve.

© IMAGO - Jeremie Frimpong, Bayer Leverkusen

The Netherlands international has shone as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso and if unleashed by Guardiola, he would be a frightening addition at the Etihad Stadium. Plus, he crucially spent nine years in Man City’s academy before his move to Celtic in 2019.

Jules Kounde (Barcelona)

Jules Kounde has been linked with a Barcelona exit for months and although the Blaugrana will be reluctant to lose him, they could be tempted into a sale given their current financial woes.

The France star fits the mould of a full-back who can naturally play as a centre-back in possession and he may be available for a slightly reduced fee given his contract at Camp Nou is due to expire in 2027.

Kounde also has crucial experience at the highest level and he could be a breath of fresh air for a Man City side who have looked fairly stale this campaign.

Valentino Livramento (Newcastle)

Newcastle would almost certainly reject offers for Valentino Livramento, however he could be a perfect replacement for Walker at Man City.

Current ETV

Valentino Livramento

D (R)

Newcastle Utd.

Valentino Livramento

D (R)

Newcastle Utd.

ETV Range

€13.8M - €23M

The Chelsea academy graduate has blossomed into a key player for Eddie Howe over the past year and his form has demoted Kieran Trippier to a watching brief on the substitutes bench.

Livramento is an astute defender with immense pace, while he is also a threat when attacking down the right flank. He could be perfect for Man City, if they are willing to submit an acceptable bid.