AC Milan have signed the deal for Manchester City right-back Kyle Walkermarking their first major acquisition of the January transfer window. The 34-year-old England international joins on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, bringing both experience and pace to Milan’s defensive line. This signing can signal the start of an active window for Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leaos side as they aim to strengthen their squad in various positions.
Kyle Walker’s move to Milan has been weeks in the making, but reports from Transfer market and Fabrizio Romano confirms that it is now ready. The Englishman will be on a free loan for the rest of the 2024-25 season, with an option for Milan to make the move permanent for €5m in the summer. Should the Rossoneri activate this clause, Walker will sign a contract until 2027 and earn an annual salary of €4 million.
Walker is expected to arrive in Milan on Thursday to undergo a medical and could make his debut in upcoming matches such as the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb or the long-awaited Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
The veteran’s departure from Manchester City marks the end of a brilliant chapter. After joining Pep Guardiola’s side in 2017 for €53 million from Tottenham, Walker became a cornerstone of City’s defence. During his seven-year spell, he made 319 appearances and won 18 major honours, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
However, injuries and age have affected his playing time. This season, Walker has only started 41% of the Citizens’ league games, making him available in the January window. Despite previous interest from Bayern Munich and Inter, Walker ultimately chose the Rossoneri, further enriching Milan’s history of experienced signings. Premier League stars.
Walker’s impact on Milan’s defence
Walker’s arrival adds depth to a defense plagued by inconsistency. But the Rossoneri are now facing a selection conundrum at right-back, with Emerson Royal, Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi already competing for the position. Emerson, who joined from Tottenham last summer, could be offloaded, with Fulham and Galatasaray reportedly interested.
The 34-year-old’s signing represents more than just a reinforcement. His pace, tactical awareness and leadership will be invaluable, especially in high-stakes matches. The veteran defender will bring the kind of winning mentality Milan need to reverse their recent run of erratic performances.
Milan’s transfer strategy: Who’s next?
With Walker safe, Sergio Conceicao would reportedly be looking to fill additional needs in his squad. Reports suggest that the Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez is a top goal. The Mexico international has reportedly expressed a strong desire to join the Serie A giants, with his representatives working to complete a deal. But Feyenoord’s EUR 40 million asking price remains a significant obstacle.
Milan may negotiate a structured agreementpossibly link parts of the fee to performance measures such as Champions League qualification and trophies won. The potential sale of Strahinja Pavlovic or Emerson Royal could generate cash for the Gimenez transfer.
Other names previously linked with Milan include Joao Felix, although Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to agree a loan, and Marcus Rashford, whose pursuit was abandoned due to complications in negotiations.
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