Pep Guardiola confident he can find replacement if Kyle Walker leaves Man City

Pep Guardiola is backing himself to find the solution should captain Kyle Walker leave Manchester City this month.

The veteran right-back has told the club he wants to move and play the final years of his career abroad.

The 34-year-old has been integral to City’s success under Guardiola, helping the team win 17 trophies – including six Premier League titles and the Champions League – in his eight years at the Etihad Stadium.

He would leave a void but, while City may not have a ready-made replacement available, Guardiola is confident in the resources he does have – and his ability to make the most of them.

“I’m so clever,” the City manager said. “I’m so talented a manager to find the right solution.”

Asked if he thought he had the players to take over from Walker, he said: “Yes.”

Youngster Rico Lewis is the obvious alternative having impressed in the position previously and indeed been preferred to Walker in recent weeks.

Walker has not started since the December 15th loss to Manchester United after fitness issues were followed by a poor run of form.

He was then left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Salford altogether having expressed his desire to leave.

Other options would include centre-backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji, although both have had injury problems this season, and even midfielder Matheus Nunes.

Walker has been linked with AC Milan and the club would not stand in his way should a suitable offer be received for a player who is contracted until summer 2026.

In the meantime he will continue to train as normal, however, and could come back into the reckoning for the champions’ trip to Brentford on Tuesday.

Guardiola said at a press conference: “Listen, Kyle is our player right now.