Manchester City ‘identify long-term successor’ to Kyle Walker who used to play in their academy – Rising Talent Poised to Fill Big Shoes

Manchester City is looking ahead by identifying a potential long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, who originally came through their academy. Walker, known for his impressive performances with Tottenham and City, has been a standout right-back in the Premier League for around 15 years, showcasing remarkable speed, strength, and defensive skills.

Since joining Manchester City in 2017, Walker has been a crucial part of the team’s success under Pep Guardiola, winning multiple trophies including five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Despite signing a contract extension until 2026, Walker’s age (he’ll be 36 at its end) has prompted City to start considering his successor.

According to reports from The Sun, Guardiola has set his sights on Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as Walker’s potential successor. Frimpong, a Netherlands international, has had a productive season as a wing-back, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign. Although there are doubts about his defensive abilities, Guardiola has a reputation for developing players in this aspect.

Frimpong’s history adds an interesting twist, having spent nine years in Manchester City’s academy before moving to Celtic and then to Leverkusen in 2021. City faces competition from Manchester United, with both clubs eyeing Frimpong, whose £35 million release clause might accelerate the deal.

If Frimpong does return to City, it would give the club a strong selection of right-backs, including another academy graduate, Rico Lewis. This move would demonstrate City’s commitment to succession planning and maintaining a competitive edge in the Premier League.