Guardiola ‘will be absolutely livid’ as Walker makes new Tottenham admission
Kyle Walker won’t have done his popularity at Manchester City any favours after his recent comments about Tottenham.
Walker joined Manchester City from Tottenham in a big-money transfer in 2017 and has gone on to cement himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever full-backs.
However, the Englishman has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, spending the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan, and his recent comments aren’t likely to help him get back in Pep Guardiola’s good books ahead of next season.
Walker speaks on Tottenham winning the UEFA Europa League
AC Milan have decided not to take up their option to make Walker’s stay at the San Siro permanent.
The right-back’s performances in Italy were similar to those over his last few seasons at Man City – tired, lethargic and without that turbo pace that he has become known for.
Walker now has one year left on his contract in Manchester, where he won 16 major trophies, including six Premier Leagues and a treble.
However, it seems as though he would be willing to give one of those up for some success with Tottenham.
While speaking on the Kyle Walker podcast via BBC Sounds (12 June), the 35-year-old admitted, “I would probably give up one Premier League, not the first, but one, to win [the Europa League] with Tottenham.
“It is hard to give one away, but I would if I could change it. Just for what that moment meant, to say that I was in that Spurs squad.”
Tottenham lucked out with Pedro Porro
Walker has enjoyed a fruitful stay in Manchester, and Guardiola is unlikely to be best pleased that his long-term defender would be willing to give up one of their achievements together for success with another club.
Looking back, Tottenham fans will still be ruing the day that Walker transferred to City. However, most fans will be glad to now have Pedro Porro as a starting option in that position.
The right-back joined from Sporting in January 2023 on loan until the end of the season before Spurs made the deal permanent in the summer.
He has been a bright spark ever since, driving attacks down the channel while standing firm against opposition wingers. Most of Spurs’ attacks down the right-hand side have started with him.
Brennan Johnson has become the latest winger to help hold down the right flank and was Spurs’ top scorer in all competitions this season.
However, it looks like Porro could find himself a new partner-in-crime next season, with Bryan Mbeumo interested in a transfer following the appointment of Thomas Frank as head coach.
But whatever lies ahead for Porro, Spurs fans will be hoping it includes the right side of North London.