Manchester City are eyeing a different right back
Pep Guardiola seemed to be closing in on a move for Tottenham right back Kyle Walker, but now the Manchester City manager is having different ideas. The recent emergence of a different transfer target has the City boss reconsidering his move for the Spurs defender.
Reports from Germany claim that Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has become disillusioned with life under Carlo Ancelotti. The star was once thought to be Philipp Lahm’s heir apparent for the Bundesliga champions. Evidently, a year of being jerked in and out of Bayern’s starting XI has caused Kimmich to seek a move elsewhere.
The report names RB Leipzig and Manchester City as the two most likely transfer destinations for Kimmich. Clearly, Guardiola knows the player well since he brought him into Bayern’s first team during his time at Germany. The comfort level between Kimmich and the City boss make the Premier League club a serious threat to sign him this summer.
It’s unclear what a Kimmich signing would do to the chances of Walker moving to the club as well. It’s possible that Guardiola would still want to purchase both men. Kimmich can play as a defensive midfielder as well as a right back. However, it’s fair to wonder whether or not Walker would feel comfortable moving to City during the same window as Kimmich.
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The insertion of Kimmich into the equation could be enough to convince Walker that life at Tottenham isn’t so bad. He may not achieve the riches he’d earn at City, but he could certainly reestablish himself as a member of Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI with a little hard work. Defeating Kieran Trippier for a starting spot is a much easier task than dislodging Joshua Kimmich.
Part of Manchester City’s decision may come down to the fee required to sign each player. Neither Tottenham or Bayern Munich want to lose their stars. It’s going to be an expensive transaction no matter which direction Guardiola turns. It must be said though, that Bayern have a better chance of digging their heels in to refuse a move altogether.
Next: Tottenham must avoid this transfer disaster
Manchester City may purchase Kyle Walker this summer, but it’s far from a foregone conclusion. Joshua Kimmich could easily be headed to England instead.