Kyle Walker Says Goodbye to Milan and Returns to Manchester City
Kyle Walker’s time at AC Milan has officially come to an end. The Italian club confirmed on Saturday that it will not exercise the purchase option for the English right-back, who will now return to Manchester City, where he remains under contract. However, his future under Pep Guardiola appears uncertain.
The 'Rossoneri' bid farewell to the 35-year-old defender on social media with a brief message: “It’s been a pleasure, Kyle!” With that, the club closed the chapter on a loan spell that began in January and, although it started with high hopes, did not end as planned.
Milan passes on purchase option for Kyle Walker, who returns to City
Walker arrived at Milan during the winter transfer window as an emergency solution to strengthen the right flank and bring leadership to a struggling dressing room. The team had fallen short of its goals in a disappointing season, finishing out of European competitions and losing the Coppa Italia final.
Initially, the former Tottenham man became a regular starter. However, an elbow fracture derailed his momentum. The injury, coupled with the rise of young Spanish full-back Álex Jiménez, saw Walker lose his starting spot and spend the final nine matches of the campaign on the bench.
With the arrival of a new sporting director, Igli Tare, Milan decided against paying the €5 million agreed with Manchester City for a permanent transfer, according to local media reports.
Now back with City, Walker is expected to seek a new destination, as he does not figure into Guardiola’s current plans.
Meanwhile, AC Milan continues its squad rebuild under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, aiming to get back to competing at the highest level. The club also parted ways this weekend with Portuguese forward João Félix and is reportedly close to signing Croatian veteran Luka Modrić — a potential move that could restore much-needed experience and quality to Milan’s midfield.
The summer promises to be a busy one for both clubs, but especially for Kyle Walker, who now faces an important decision about where to play the next — and possibly final — chapter of his career.
