Could one Manchester City stalwart days be numbered if they land a right-back in January? | OneFootball

With the January transfer window now open it would appear that Manchester City are set to bolster their squad. Several areas of Pep Guardiola’s squad need strengthening. One of those is right-back. Kyle Walker has regressed this season as Father Time has caught up to Manchester City’s captain. But if the world champions did land a right-back in January, could the Manchester City stalwart’s days at the club be numbered? It’s not out of the realm of possibility on closer inspection.

First of all, Phil Thomas has reported for The Sun that Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina is looming as a potential target for Manchester City. The Nigerian international has impressed this season for Nottingham Forest. Thomas goes on to report that Alina’s contract expires at the end of this season. With his pace and versatility Aina would add something that Pep Guardiola’s squad currently lacks if they did move for the full-back this month. But if they did move for Aina could that spell the end of Kyle Walker’s City career?

Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Kyle Walker is thought to be assessing his options going forward. As mentioned above, Walker has shown signs of declining as a player. But he has been a warrior for Manchester City during his time at the club. That shouldn’t be forgotten amongst the criticism of Walker’s form this season.

If Manchester City did land a right-back could Kyle Walker move on in January?

Jack Gaughan also reports that it is unlikely that Manchester City will see any players depart in January. But if they did sign a player like Ola Aina could that change the situation? Anything is possible as the world champions look set to embark on a rebuild of their squad in the coming months.

If a player like Aina, or any other right-back for that matter, landed at the Etihad this month it could create a surplus in the position. If that happens perhaps then Kyle Walker may decide to seek a new challenge elsewhere. He has been a warrior for Manchester City and he deserves the right to end his career as he sees fit. Maybe that’s with Manchester City, maybe it isn’t. That answer won’t be known until the January transfer window closes. But it’s not out of the realms of possibility just yet.

Who City sign this month may well dictate if anyone leaves the club. That’s the story to watch for over the next month. Kyle Walker’s future at Manchester City may be one such scenario. That is just one of many questions that surrounds Pep Guardiola’s squad this month. We will have to wait to see how the January transfer window plays out before we get a definitive answer on the topic.