Pep Guardiola may be unable to keep two experienced players who had worked with him for many years at the club beyond this season, following the report that they are ready to leave Man City in the summer.
The Sun reported that Kyle Walker who was closed to leaving the club last summer, is planning for a change in the summer and has started making inquiry about a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Similarly, Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move away from the Sky Blues. According to many news outlets, the Portuguese will prefer a move to Barcelona despite interest from many other top European teams.
Kyle Walker Speaks To Riyad Mahrez Over Potential Saudi Arabia Move
In his attempt to get the needed information, the Manchester City captain reportedly spoke to his old teammate, Riyad Mahrez, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League.
According to a new exclusive report from The Sun, even though the 33-year-old England international is very happy at City, he’s exploring other options and would like to play elsewhere before ending his career. Therefore, he has sought Mahrez’s advice over life in the Middle East.
“Kyle (Walker) has been thinking about his future after the Premier League and thinks a move to Saudi could be perfect for him, Annie (Kilner), and their kids when he is done here,” The Sun quote a source as saying.
The defender opted to renew his contract last summer, forgoing his intention to move to Bayern Munich following discussions with the City manager. Reports indicated that Pep Guardiola was reluctant to part ways with too many key players in one transfer window, especially after the exits of IIkay Gündogan, Aymeric Laporte, and Riyad Mahrez.
“He has been speaking to Riyad (Mahrez) about the football clubs out there and what life is like for people who move there. Obviously, the lifestyle is vastly different,” the source added.
“Kyle loves playing for Man City and is devoted to the club but he has his head screwed on and has been thinking about what the future holds for him when his time in the Prem and for England is done.”
Reports Says Bernardo Silva Seeks Joao Felix’s Opinion About Life In Barcelona
Just like the Kyle Walker scenario, Bernardo Silva was also on the brink of departing from the Premier League champions last summer. It was, however, reported that Pep Guardiola successfully persuaded the Portuguese midfielder to stay at City for another season.
Regrettably, the strategies employed to retain the midfielder may prove ineffective in the upcoming summer, as reports have surfaced indicating that he is making arrangements for a future outside of England.
According to various sources, Bernardo recently engaged in a conversation with his Portuguese compatriot Joao Felix regarding life in Barcelona, specifically focusing on the climatic conditions as he considered a potential transfer to the renowned Spanish club.
“He asks me how things are here. I told him that everything is fine for him to come. If I was [Barcelona sporting director] Deco for a day, I would sign Bernardo Silva, without a doubt,” Joao Felix said during a recent interview.