Kyle Walker is back in the Premier League, but not with Manchester City. The experienced right-back has signed a two-year deal with Burnley, a club that just returned to the top flight after an impressive campaign in England’s second tier. His transfer comes after a short spell at AC Milan, where he had some playing time but never truly settled. Now at 34, Walker sees Burnley as a chance to keep performing at a high level and show he’s still got plenty left to give.
Strategic move after his Milan loan return
Walker spent the last six months on loan at Milan, featuring in 16 games and starting 11. When he came back to City, the initial expectation was that he’d rejoin Pep Guardiola’s squad, where he had already won just about everything. That didn’t happen. He wasn’t even named in the Club World Cup squad, which was a clear message, his time there was done.
Burnley took advantage of the situation and moved fast. Head coach Scott Parker played a big part in convincing the player. According to Walker, the club’s vision was key. “When I spoke with Scott and heard about his plans for the upcoming season, it was an opportunity I grabbed with both hands,” he said in an interview with the club’s official site.
Back in the most competitive league in the world
Joining Burnley opens up a new chapter for Walker. After years in a winning machine at City, he’s stepping into a different kind of project, a newly promoted team, but one with serious goals. “He did an incredible job leading this club back to the Premier League with a 100-point season, and now we’re excited to be heading into the biggest league in the world together,” the full-back added.
Walker came up through the ranks at Tottenham, where he broke out early before catching the attention of Manchester City. From there, he built a trophy-laden career. His time at City brought six Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Club World Cup, two FA Cups, four League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and two Community Shields.
Few players in English soccer carry that kind of pedigree. He may not arrive at Burnley with big headlines, but he brings something few others in the squad can — experience at the very highest level. And in the Premier League, that edge can be the difference between survival and struggle.
Whether this will prove to be a smart bet is something only the season can tell. But for now, Burnley has landed a veteran who knows the league, knows how to win, and more than anything, is hungry to show he’s still got what it takes.