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Kyle Walker 'not close to joining Saudi Pro League amid Sheffield United interest'

Kyle Walker 'not close to joining Pro League amid Sheffield United interest'
© Reuters
Manchester City's Kyle Walker refuses to deny admirers from Saudi Arabia last summer, although a deal was reportedly never close amid interest from Sheffield United.

Kyle Walker was reportedly not close to joining a team in the Saudi Pro League during last summer's window, with the player also linked with a move back to Sheffield United.

The 33-year-old is heading towards the twilight of his career but has still played a massive part for Manchester City in the quest for major honours this season.

Walker has featured in 26 Premier League matches for Pep Guardiola's side, assisting twice as the Citizens look to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to the Premier League title.

The right-back has also helped his side reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, whilst a quarter-final clash in the Champions League against Real Madrid awaits next month.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Walker was never close to joining a club in the Saudi Pro League during last year's summer transfer window.

Manchester City's Kyle Walker in action with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford on March 3, 2024© Reuters

It is understood that outfits from the Middle East were interested in securing the services of the defender, who is still a first-team regular at the Etihad.

Such a move did not materialise, though, with Walker later committing his medium-term future to Guardiola's treble winners ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man signed a fresh two-year deal on the blue side of Manchester, meaning that he is contracted to the club until the summer of 2026.

It is widely known that Walker - an ex-Blade - is keen on playing for the Bramall Lane side once again, as he made clear in a recent appearance on Rio Ferdinand's FIVE Podcast.

"I'd like to finish at Sheffield United. That's something that I would actually like to do," England international Walker told Ferdinand on his podcast.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson in action with Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Ederson on February 17, 2024© Reuters

"I was there from such a young age until that until I went to Tottenham and I only played five games before I went to Tottenham, and then went back on loan for half a season.

"So I think I've got like 35 games and I'd like to go for as long as possible, to give back or even pass on my experience to the younger players that are coming through or players that are there then. If I can do that, then I'd like to, yeah."

Since making the switch from North London to Manchester in the summer of 2017, Walker has featured 292 times for Man City in all competitions, winning 15 major trophies, including the Champions League last season.

The 33-year-old is still a key part of Gareth Southgate's England side, and the right-back has been selected in the squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley over the international break.

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5Tottenham HotspurSpurs341861067541360
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
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19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


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