Walker’s blistering pace and rock-solid defending have been ever-present at the Etihad since 2017, but now without this, Pep Guardiola may have to turn to some younger options to fill the boots at right back.
Rico Lewis
At just 19 years old, Rico Lewis has already made a name for himself in the city fanbase, showing excellent ability to play in numerous positions such as in central midfield as well as full-back. He has displayed impressive technical ability and has demonstrated a mature understanding of the game playing in a very tactical Pep Guardiola side.
As an academy graduate, Rico has already proven to be a solid right back, leading him to make his senior England debut against North Macedonia last year, and putting in consistent top performances in the Premier League.
Pep could well turn to the youngster to be the new go-to option at right back
In the absence of Walker, Pep could well turn to the youngster to be the new go-to option at right back, and could even have the potential to surpass Walker’s achievements.
Matheus Nunes
Despite Pep bringing him in as a central midfielder, Matheus Nunes has also proven to be a solid option in the right back over the last few games. Signed from Wolves in 2023 for £53 million, Nunes had a tricky start to life in Manchester, playing just 17 games in the Premier League in his first season.
However, this year, Nunes has displayed some impressive performances across the pitch, grabbing 3 goals and supplying 8 assists, arguably being one of City’s stand-out players. With Walker’s exit, Nunes has adapted well to right back, displaying impressive performances against Club Brugge in the Champions League, and also played an important role in City’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, where he grabbed an assist.
Currently, Nunes seems to be the man trusted to play in Walker’s ex-role, and he’s without a doubt not disappointing.
January Signings
Alongside current options, City have also branched out into the market, spending over £60 million on young defensive players, clearly focussing on adding youth prospects. Brazilian international Vitor Reis, 19 years old, and Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, add further cover across City’s backline that can grow to become top players playing in blue.
Summer Targets
If Walker does permanently move in the summer after his loan, it would come as no shock if City opted to add another natural right back to the squad.
According to the BBC, City has listed Nigerian full-back Ola Aina as a possible replacement, who has been a standout in an impressive Nottingham Forest side this season, who sit above City currently in the league.
Aina’s adaptability and Premier League experience would make him a perfect option if City choose to turn to the summer market.
Despite City losing a club legend, they undoubtedly have plenty of options to fill Kyle Walker’s boots and carry on his legacy, hoping to bring even more titles back home.