Jose’s Fenerbahce Lead Chase for Defender as City Look to Trim Their Squad | OneFootball

Walker, Grealish and Guardiola’s Jigsaw: City’s Summer Shifting Underway

Fenerbahce Eye Walker as City Reshape Their Squad

Kyle Walker could be set for a shock move to Turkey, with Fenerbahce emerging as a possible destination following AC Milan’s decision not to sign the defender permanently. Walker, 35, had joined the Italian side on a six-month loan in January, but with Milan finishing eighth in Serie A, they have told Manchester City they are not pursuing a permanent deal.

This development has sparked interest from Fenerbahce, now under the command of José Mourinho. As reported by The Times, “Fenerbahce… are understood to have informed intermediaries of their interest in Walker, although they are yet to table an official bid for the England international.” Galatasaray are also monitoring the situation, with their primary target being Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey. Should that deal fall through, they may turn to Walker.

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City would benefit from any season-long loan, as they would avoid paying his wages for the final year of his deal. For Walker, a switch to Turkey offers playing time and fresh relevance, with a Mourinho-led project offering both pedigree and profile.

Grealish Available as Club World Cup Looms

Walker is not the only headline name on City’s potential exit list. Jack Grealish, 29, was notably left out of the 27-man squad for the Club World Cup. “City are yet to receive any bids for Grealish, 29, who has two years left on his deal,” The Times confirmed.

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The omission raises questions about Grealish’s future under Guardiola. After arriving for £100 million with great fanfare, the former Aston Villa captain has found consistency elusive. A sale might offer both club and player a needed reset.

New Faces In, Guardiola Balancing the Numbers

City’s pre-season base in Boca Raton has welcomed £120 million worth of new recruits in Marcus Bettinelli, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri. They took part in training on Friday at Lynn University, with Kolo Touré overseeing the session. Touré is on a short-term deal as part of the coaching staff, which now also includes former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders and set-piece expert James French.

Guardiola currently has 32 players on the books and needs to trim the squad. “The club have not ruled out more new signings, although no players are expected to come through the door during the month-long Club World Cup tournament,” The Times reports. City’s first match is against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, talks have stalled over Juventus full back Andrea Cambiaso, whose agent last spoke to City in January.

Ticket Price Cuts Offer Welcome Relief

In a rare but welcome move, Manchester City have responded to fan protest by slashing ticket prices. Following discussions, the club have reduced prices for category A games by up to 43 per cent. “Fans will pay between £40 and £60 for category A games,” The Times confirmed, while categories B and C will also see reductions.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s promise to address fan concerns appears to have been kept. The move not only boosts morale but sets an example across the Premier League.

Concerned City Fans Weigh In

As a Manchester City supporter, this report from The Times stirs mixed emotions. Kyle Walker has been a servant of immense value, but at 35, his pace-driven style may no longer suit Guardiola’s evolving tactics. A move to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce could be an inspired final chapter, though it feels bittersweet.

What really jolts the senses is the Jack Grealish situation. Left out of the Club World Cup squad? That’s not subtle. It smells of a potential exit. For £100 million, we expected more magic, but maybe he was never quite the system fit. If no bids come in, it’ll be a summer saga.

Credit where it’s due on the ticket pricing. After last year’s backlash, this is a proper gesture. Reducing A category prices by up to 43 per cent is significant. City may be winning on the pitch, but winning back fan trust off it matters too.

With 32 players and no major exits yet, the sense is Guardiola is holding a jigsaw with a few missing pieces. Will they fall into place before the Premier League returns? Fans are hopeful, but far from certain.