Manchester City agree £50m-plus deal to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham

[idrizzy]

Manchester City agree £50m-plus deal to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham

Kyle Walker is poised to become the world’s most expensive defender and the costliest English player of all time, after Tottenham Hotspur accepted a bid worth £53m for him from Manchester City. The package includes £3m of add-ons and takes him beyond David Luiz on the list of defenders and above Raheem Sterling in terms of players from England.

David Luiz cost £50m when he moved from Chelsea to Paris St-Germain in 2014 and City paid £49m to Liverpool, including add-ons, for Sterling in 2015.

Walker’s move has been heavily trailed, with Pep Guardiola, the City manager, having prioritised the signing of full-backs this summer and making the England international his No1 target at right-back.

The negotiations have been protracted, with Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, feeling empowered to drive the hardest of bargains. Walker was the best right-back in England last season, according to the Professional Footballers’ Association, which named him in its team of the year, and, at 27, he is not only highly experienced in the Premier League but about to enter his prime.

Levy wanted the basic figure of £50m and City were reluctant to go above £40m but, in the end, they paid up to break the deadlock. They had missed out on Dani Alves, another right-back target, earlier in the week – the Brazilian has gone to PSG, having left Juventus as a free agent – and time is ticking down to their pre-season tour of the United States.

Tottenham are also touring there and they will face City in Nashville on 29 July, raising the prospect of an early reunion for Walker with his former employer. Walker travelled to Manchester on Thursday afternoon and he will undertake his City medical on Friday.

Mauricio Pochettino knows that he needs to generate funds in order to make signings to bolster the depth of his Tottenham squad and he came to consider the sale of Walker as the best way to do so. The manager has faith in Kieran Trippier, who has been Walker’s understudy, and it was significant that he preferred him to Walker towards the end of last season in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and the league fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United.

City are in talks with West Ham United over the loan of the England goalkeeper Joe Hart, with the London club confident they will soon be able to announce the deal. City have also signed Bernardo Silva for £43.6m from Monaco and Ederson for £34.7m from Benfica. Tottenham have yet to make a summer signing.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/13/manchester-city-kyle-walker-tottenham

 

[Muhammad10]

Spending continues to spiral out of control in the Premier League.

 

[Hasan123]

Lol £50 million for a RB. Ridiculous money. But City improving in area they are weak in.

 

[MMHS]

Looks like Pep is a bit riled up after moving out of comfort zone - 48mn for Sir Stones, now 50mn for Walker.... At least had he been Runner, it could have made a bit more sense.

Pep has hurried into this deal, because, indirectly Dani boy has told him that it's Barca & Messi that made Pep Guardiola, not other way and he has a bit of inside information, in that regard.

I imagine, how many weeks Pep would have survived had he been put in Wengar or Klopp's job!!!!

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Crazy money...

 

[Abdullah719]

Kyle Walker, world's most expensive defender.

 

[Slog]

Lol £50 million for a RB. Ridiculous money. But City improving in area they are weak in.

but he's not really that great

 

[SpiritOf1903]

How much would Maldini, Cannavaro, Cafu or Carlos be worth today ?!

 

[Asim_khan]

Madness. He's a second rate fullback who'll be found out badly. With Bonnuci allegedly going for less money, is it any wonder English players are seen as massively over rated

 

[WC-Passion]

He can't even defend and he's been sold for £50m?! Amazing stuff. )

 

[Hasan123]

but he's not really that great

He has weakness defensively but he's been signed due to his offensive ability.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fullback, Kyle Walker becomes the world's most expensive defender at £50m plus. Imagine how much he would cost if he could cross the ball.</p>— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/885911947400552448">July 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Overrated British talent
The next Glenn Johnson without the same kind of criticism

Mansour paying over the odds for a right back because Alves went to PSG

 

[James]

Honestly who gives a chuff about footy anymore when it stinks of money so much. There is no passion and soul to the game anymore at all.

I remember Shearer's big move when he returned for Newcastle for what was comfortably a world record £15 million, and I remember thinking then that it was an uber premium tag due to the massive hype, his amazing strike rate for Rovers, and a storming Euro '96 that captured the hearts of the nation - and therefore just about an understandable price; although it would surely be the absolute upper limit, and no player would ever be that expensive again.

How wrong I was.

 

[Pakistanian]

I'm sure we all could use a couple mil

 

[WC-Passion]

Honestly who gives a chuff about footy anymore when it stinks of money so much. There is no passion and soul to the game anymore at all.

I remember Shearer's big move when he returned for Newcastle for what was comfortably a world record £15 million, and I remember thinking then that it was an uber premium tag due to the massive hype, his amazing strike rate for Rovers, and a storming Euro '96 that captured the hearts of the nation - and therefore just about an understandable price; although it would surely be the absolute upper limit, and no player would ever be that expensive again.

How wrong I was.

The quality of football is still there but the lack of loyalty with so much money being thrown around is sickening, the transfer market is like a glorified video game version of the past right now. Corruption problems will not get any better and I don't blame people for being turned off from the sport. Some clubs in the lower leagues would do anything for the money that is so carelessly splashed around and it's actually kind of sad how laughable it is nowadays.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

The quality of football is still there but the lack of loyalty with so much money being thrown around is sickening, the transfer market is like a glorified video game version of the past right now. Corruption problems will not get any better and I don't blame people for being turned off from the sport. Some clubs in the lower leagues would do anything for the money that is so carelessly splashed around and it's actually kind of sad how laughable it is nowadays.

This is a basic argument of austerity against investment
Tbf ur probably both right

But i dont think theres any premier league owners who dont get profits
Theres also the fair play transfer block if they splash too much cash

 

[WC-Passion]

This is a basic argument of austerity against investment
Tbf ur probably both right

But i dont think theres any premier league owners who dont get profits
Theres also the fair play transfer block if they splash too much cash

Transfer bans don't do much, clubs buy players, send them on loan and just register them in the January window (assuming that they have a summer ban). They send them to lesser clubs so they don't get cup tied and they get away with it without feeling the affect of it too badly. Not to mention bans can be overturned too. Basically they won't suffer too much from it and it might help youth get a chance. Which is why I wouldn't be too upset if Chelsea get a ban.

FFP is a joke right now and clubs like Porto and Valencia have been screwed over because of it. It's not hard for big clubs to get round it. Super agents are also hurting football. They can basically control clubs because they can get players moving to a club without even thinking about whether it benefits the player. Look at the youngest UCL captain in history, a player with tons of potential, Ruben Neves moving to Wolves (a mid table championship side) for £15m. Most dodgy signing of the window so far.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Transfer bans don't do much, clubs buy players, send them on loan and just register them in the January window (assuming that they have a summer ban). They send them to lesser clubs so they don't get cup tied and they get away with it without feeling the affect of it too badly. Not to mention bans can be overturned too. Basically they won't suffer too much from it and it might help youth get a chance. Which is why I wouldn't be too upset if Chelsea get a ban.

FFP is a joke right now and clubs like Porto and Valencia have been screwed over because of it. It's not hard for big clubs to get round it. Super agents are also hurting football. They can basically control clubs because they can get players moving to a club without even thinking about whether it benefits the player. Look at the youngest UCL captain in history, a player with tons of potential, Ruben Neves moving to Wolves (a mid table championship side) for £15m. Most dodgy signing of the window so far.

First Ive heard of Reubin Navas
But Wolves were linked with Talisca before Besiktas had him on loan so they have some clout in the summer window

 

[Saj]

This transfer just shows how ridiculous the transfer market is for English players and why so many clubs prefer to buy overseas players.

 

[PetroDollars]

I dont understand the fuss about the money being thrown around.

Revenues at all clubs are up, sponsorship deals have gone through the roof, ticket prices have increased, tv deals have smashed records and what not, so why not player fees, plus with all the increased competition in the EPL all clubs have to put up a fight for the best players that are available.

 

[finalfantasy7]

I dont understand the fuss about the money being thrown around.

Revenues at all clubs are up, sponsorship deals have gone through the roof, ticket prices have increased, tv deals have smashed records and what not, so why not player fees, plus with all the increased competition in the EPL all clubs have to put up a fight for the best players that are available.

Compare Kyle walker price to juve getting Costa, then petrodollars - u have to understand its overpriced

 

[finalfantasy7]

Also petrodollars - inflation coming from the Asia market - is the main reason for the inflated price

 

[PetroDollars]

Compare Kyle walker price to juve getting Costa, then petrodollars - u have to understand its overpriced

Money coming in for EPL clubs has skyrocketed faster then anyother league, therefore they will always pay a premium as they can afford it

Costa was not wanted by any English clubs and had to take what was available to him, whereas Kyle being english was going to demand a premium and then Pep was desperate for a right back after Alves gave his middle finger to him so was going to pay whatever and Spurs took the advantage

Also petrodollars - inflation coming from the Asia market - is the main reason for the inflated price

You can say it has played a part but most probably a small one, prices where going to increase big time nevertheless as they have across all departments

 

[finalfantasy7]

Money coming in for EPL clubs has skyrocketed faster then anyother league, therefore they will always pay a premium as they can afford it

Costa was not wanted by any English clubs and had to take what was available to him, whereas Kyle being english was going to demand a premium and then Pep was desperate for a right back after Alves gave his middle finger to him so was going to pay whatever and Spurs took the advantage



You can say it has played a part but most probably a small one, prices where going to increase big time nevertheless as they have across all departments

Costa did say in his juve interview - he didn't like leagues which were too physical - I'm assuming he ment Epl,
Supposedly rumours have it arsenal we're interested - but like I said - rumours

 

[finalfantasy7]

Money coming in for EPL clubs has skyrocketed faster then anyother league, therefore they will always pay a premium as they can afford it

Costa was not wanted by any English clubs and had to take what was available to him, whereas Kyle being english was going to demand a premium and then Pep was desperate for a right back after Alves gave his middle finger to him so was going to pay whatever and Spurs took the advantage



You can say it has played a part but most probably a small one, prices where going to increase big time nevertheless as they have across all departments

The quality of football is still there but the lack of loyalty with so much money being thrown around is sickening, the transfer market is like a glorified video game version of the past right now. Corruption problems will not get any better and I don't blame people for being turned off from the sport. Some clubs in the lower leagues would do anything for the money that is so carelessly splashed around and it's actually kind of sad how laughable it is nowadays.

I grew up watching football in 92, I disagree that football talent is still thr. I'm currently at work finishing my break - when I come home I'll list the difference in players

 

[WC-Passion]

First Ive heard of Reubin Navas
But Wolves were linked with Talisca before Besiktas had him on loan so they have some clout in the summer window

Yes that's true but being linked with Talisca is different to signing Neves. Very different. The reason for that link was probably because of Mendes basically helping running the club (by being the agent of players, manager and others involved with the club) and his connection to Portuguese clubs and players.

I grew up watching football in 92, I disagree that football talent is still thr. I'm currently at work finishing my break - when I come home I'll list the difference in players

The likes of Messi and Ronaldo are still playing, you've got amazing young talent like Mbappe, Dembele, Dybala etc and there is a clear reason for the money from Football rising, the quality of the sport has improved with the facilities, pitches and academies being better too.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Money coming in for EPL clubs has skyrocketed faster then anyother league, therefore they will always pay a premium as they can afford it

Costa was not wanted by any English clubs and had to take what was available to him, whereas Kyle being english was going to demand a premium and then Pep was desperate for a right back after Alves gave his middle finger to him so was going to pay whatever and Spurs took the advantage



You can say it has played a part but most probably a small one, prices where going to increase big time nevertheless as they have across all departments

I understand your argument - bonnuci was bought for 13m-euros less than walker, I understand Bonucci 2yrs older, but a right back ain't worth that much.

Look at a full back job- puts 8 crosses in box-only 2 crosses are successful - however no goals come from them. Full back defensive duties - make 6 tactical fouls - tripping players up. HONESTLY THAT'S ALL THEY DO

 

[PetroDollars]

I understand your argument - bonnuci was bought for 13m-euros less than walker, I understand Bonucci 2yrs older, but a right back ain't worth that much.

Look at a full back job- puts 8 crosses in box-only 2 crosses are successful - however no goals come from them. Full back defensive duties - make 6 tactical fouls - tripping players up. HONESTLY THAT'S ALL THEY DO

Its about branding, City paid a premium because he is english, he is not only going to contribute to 6/7 crosses a game but will contribute financially with endorsements and merchandise sales, which is another avenue where records are breaking.

There was just an article on DM, which talked about the Sanchez situation and they said Arsenal will be better off letting him leave for free next year rather then sell him for £50m because they will recoup much more money from him than £50m in just one season by keeping him.

The game has been commercialised, there is money coming in from everywhere, including off the pitch.

 

[MenInG]

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has said he was hurt by manager Pep Guardiola's recent criticism.

The England international was a regular starter for City this season until he lost his place against Bournemouth at the end of February.

Guardiola said in April that the 32-year-old Walker "cannot play" in the team's current system.

"Did it hurt? Of course it did. I can't lie and say it didn't hurt. You start to doubt yourself," Walker said.

After being dropped for the Bournemouth match, Walker was left out of three of the next four Premier League games.

He was also on the bench for Champions League matches against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich as City hit the form that has carried them to the brink of a fifth title in six years and four wins away from an historic Treble.

By contract, John Stones has excelled in Guardiola's newly created inverted full-back role.

"Sometimes, you don't always agree with certain opinions in football but what he has done for me and for Man City in the last six years has been nothing short of tremendous," Walker said.

"He is my boss and I am one of the captains. I needed to make sure my disappointment isn't shown on the team."

It was Nathan Ake's hamstring injury that offered Walker a way back, with Guardiola forced to play Manuel Akanji at left-back and Stones alongside Ruben Dias in the centre.

Walker has responded with a series of impressive performances and came out on top in a memorable battle with Real Madrid dangerman Vinicius Jr in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final the Bernabeu last week.

Vinicius Jr scored Real's goal in the 1-1 draw, with the second leg on Wednesday.

"I had to react as a professional," Walker added.

"I had to go back to basics, to what I am good at and what he bought me for and prove him wrong. That is what I have done."

BBC

 

[Rana]

The perfect kind of signing at the right time for City in 2017

World class full backs are key to success at the highest level