Kyle Walker, the 34-year-old full-back currently playing for Manchester City, may be nearing the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium.
With his contract set to expire in 2026, it appears increasingly unlikely that the club will offer him a new deal. Walker, a key player for the reigning Premier League champions, has enjoyed a successful stint at City since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
However, rumors suggest that his future may lie away from England, with the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli reportedly eyeing the England international for a high-profile transfer.
Nearly 18 months ago, Walker was close to a move to Bayern Munich, but the deal never materialized, and he remained a City player. Now, Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest football clubs, is keen to sign him.
The Sheffield United academy graduate has emerged as a prime target for the Middle Eastern club, which has been aggressively pursuing top European talent to bolster its ranks in recent years. This potential move could mark a significant turning point in Walker’s career, both financially and personally.
A move to the Saudi Pro League could be appealing for Walker for several reasons. For one, it would allow him to escape the relentless scrutiny of the English media, which has recently focused on his personal life. This added pressure may be weighing on Walker, and a move abroad could offer him a fresh start.
Additionally, joining Al-Ahli could significantly boost his financial earnings. According to reports, Walker currently earns £175,000 per week at Manchester City. However, if he agrees to a move to the Saudi side, his weekly salary could more than double to £400,000, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
Manchester City, for their part, are not expected to stand in Walker’s way should he choose to move to Saudi Arabia.
The club is reportedly willing to let the six-time Premier League winner leave for a relatively modest fee of £15 million, a figure that would be manageable for Al-Ahli, especially given the club’s recent financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This development has further fueled speculation that Walker may indeed be the next star player to make the switch to the Middle East, following in the footsteps of other prominent footballers who have joined Saudi clubs in recent seasons.
Since joining Manchester City from Tottenham, Walker has been a vital part of the team’s success under manager Pep Guardiola. Over his time at the club, he has scored six goals and provided 23 assists in 308 appearances across all competitions.
Known for his exceptional pace and defensive abilities, Walker has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top full-backs. His leadership qualities were also recognized when he was named City’s captain at the beginning of the previous season.
However, with City’s squad constantly evolving and younger players being brought in to fill key positions, the club may feel that Walker’s best years are behind him. This, coupled with the allure of a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia, could prompt the player to seek a new challenge in the latter stages of his career.
Should Walker decide to join Al-Ahli, it would mark another high-profile departure from the Premier League to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, which has been making headlines for its ambitious recruitment of European talent.
The move would also allow Walker to continue competing at a high level while securing a significant payday before he eventually retires.
As negotiations potentially progress, both Walker and City will need to weigh their options carefully. For Walker, a move to Saudi Arabia offers a chance to experience a different football culture and secure financial stability, while for Manchester City, it represents an opportunity to offload a veteran player and reinvest in the squad.
Time will tell if Walker will indeed make the move, but the possibility of a transfer to Al-Ahli seems to be growing stronger.
