Manchester City fans have been stirred up on social media following recent comments made by Kyle Walker, which have led to concerns about the upcoming season.
Walker, who has just returned to the Etihad Stadium after a triumphant run with England in the European Championships, where he played a key role in helping Gareth Southgate’s team reach the final against Spain, has revealed some personal goals that have sparked a strong reaction among supporters.
The 34-year-old right-back, who missed Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States due to an extended holiday after his international duties, has already rejoined the squad at the City Football Academy as they prepare for the new season.
Walker, now the Manchester City captain, has been reflecting on his individual aspirations for the next campaign. Among his goals is a focus on improving his goal-scoring record, despite playing in a traditionally defensive position.
In the latest episode of his podcast, “You Will Never Beat Kyle Walker,” published on BBC Sounds, Walker shared his determination to contribute more goals for Manchester City during the 2024–25 season.
He expressed his intent to increase his goal-scoring output, acknowledging that while he is primarily a right-back, he often finds himself in promising positions on the field where he could potentially score. Walker, aware of his age and the need to evolve his game, is eager to add this dimension to his play.
“I am really going to attempt this season to get a couple more goals because I think I get in nice areas,” Walker told his co-host, Chris Hughes. “You know, I am 34 years old now; I need to start adding that to my game,” he added. Walker’s enthusiasm for scoring is so strong that he even promised to take Hughes out for lunch the day after he scores a goal for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Last season, Walker did not score any goals but did provide five assists across all competitions in his 47 appearances. Therefore, any goals this season would represent a significant improvement in his contribution to the team’s attacking efforts.
This ambition has excited some fans, but it has also caused anxiety among others who fear that focusing too much on scoring might distract from his defensive duties, especially considering his critical role in the team’s backline.
There has also been speculation about Walker’s future during the ongoing summer transfer window, fueled by praise from officials in Saudi Arabia who have recognized his talents.
Despite these rumors, Walker is expected to remain with Manchester City beyond the summer and into the new campaign, continuing in his role as a key player and potentially retaining the captain’s armband.
Walker’s comments and the buzz they have generated among fans highlight the complex emotions surrounding the upcoming season. While there is excitement about his potential new role and contribution, there is also concern about what this might mean for the stability of the team.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Walker to see how he balances his defensive responsibilities with his newfound goal-scoring ambitions and whether he can lead Manchester City to further success.
