New Delhi: Nathan Ake has expressed his notion that Manchester City will suffer a huge loss if Kyle Walker leaves the club during the January transfer market period. The 34-year-old has already informed his City of his desire for a departure from the club and move abroad.
During City’s 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup’s third round, Pep Guardiola was asked about Walker’s omission from the squad. The Spanish manager revealed that Walker had informed the club of his intention to move abroad, and hence, Guardiola had decided to leave him out of the matchday squad. Currently, Milan have shown interest in signing the 34-year-old.
Ake was asked if Man City will miss Walker’s leadership, to which the Dutch international responded, “Massively”. Ake further noted that Walker was a “big character” and a very important player for the squad. Ake continued that he has good equations with the City skipper and there was little doubt that he makes a big impact on the side.
Nathan Ake: “Kyle Walker has been MASSIVE for us over the years. He’s a big character in the squad. He deserves A LOT OF PRAISE for all the years he’s been a TOP PLAYER for this club!” 🔝 pic.twitter.com/28Dr1ocMPh
— City Report (@cityreport_) January 12, 2025
Walker joined City from Tottenham Hotspurs back in 2017 for £45m and since then has won six Premier League trophies, a Champions League, two FA Cups, four times the League Cups, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He was made captain of the side in 2023 though he had wished to exit the team back then. Ake noted that Walker’s contribution deserves all the praise for being one of the best players in the squad for a prolonged period of time.
City’s victory on Saturday saw 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly score, playing as the left-sided defender and included a hattrick from their 22-year-old midfielder James McAtee. Divin Mubama, who had come to the club from West Ham last August also got on the score sheet. Rico Lewis, who wasn’t used in the game has more recently become the primary right-back ahead of Walker.
Ake noted that the inclusion of these players was a sign that Guardiola was building the upcoming generation at the Etihad Stadium. He noted that City’s squad has quite a few young players and, along with experienced players, makes them a “good mix”. Further, the 29-year-old noted that the club was good in finding the “right balance” in the squad when it comes to age groups and hoped it would continue even in the upcoming times.
Nathan Ake expressed that Kyle Walker was a key player for Manchester City’s success after the English defender revealed his desire to move into foreign clubs. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
