Kyle Walker’s Decision on whether to sign for Everton as he hopes to return to the Premier League
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City’s veteran right-back Kyle Walker has reportedly made a significant decision about his future, opting to join Everton on a one-year deal. This move comes amid strong interest from David Moyes, Everton’s manager, who has long admired the 35-year-old England international’s tenacity, experience, and versatility. With Walker’s glittering career at Manchester City nearing its end, this transfer marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the Toffees as they aim to make a splash in their new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Walker, who spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at AC Milan, has been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City. Despite his 319 appearances, six goals, and 23 assists for the Citizens, Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude him from the Club World Cup squad signaled the end of his tenure at the Etihad. With his contract nearing its final year, Walker was free to explore new opportunities, and Everton emerged as a frontrunner, beating out competition from Fenerbahce and Fulham. The allure of working under Moyes, a manager renowned for his pragmatic approach and ability to maximize player potential, played a significant role in Walker’s choice.
David Moyes, who returned to Everton and guided them to a respectable 13th-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League season, sees Walker as an ideal addition to his squad. Moyes values the defender’s leadership, honed through six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph with Manchester City. Walker’s ability to play as both a right-back and a centre-back offers tactical flexibility, aligning perfectly with Moyes’ counter-attacking system. The departure of Ashley Young and concerns over Nathan Patterson’s defensive reliability have made a seasoned right-back a priority for Everton, and Walker’s experience makes him a shrewd acquisition.
For Walker, the move to Everton represents an opportunity to revive his career and secure a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite a recent mistake in a friendly against Senegal, England’s manager praised Walker’s professionalism and training performances, reinforcing his belief that regular football under Moyes could keep him in contention for international duties. Everton’s ambitious plans, including their move to the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, also appealed to Walker, who reportedly sees Merseyside as an attractive destination to continue his Premier League legacy.
However, the transfer has sparked mixed reactions among Everton fans. While some appreciate Walker’s experience, others, like
@strong231977
on X, have expressed skepticism, citing his age and high wages as potential drawbacks. Despite these concerns, Moyes’ track record of revitalizing veteran players suggests he can maximize Walker’s contributions, using him as an overlapping right-back to support wingers like Dwight McNeil. As Everton negotiate whether the move will be permanent or a 12-month loan, Walker’s decision to join Moyes’ project signals his confidence in the manager’s vision. This transfer could prove to be a masterstroke, blending Walker’s pedigree with Everton’s upward trajectory.
