Kyle Walker (foto: Getty Images)
Injury setbacks and poor form have raised doubts about Kyle Walker’s future at AC Milan, with the Man City loanee now expected to return to the Etihad this summer.
Kyle Walker may be heading back to Manchester City this summer, as AC Milan are reportedly backing away from making his loan move permanent.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have developed “doubts” over whether to trigger the €5 million purchase option included in Walker’s six-month loan deal. The England international joined the Serie A side in January, but after a promising start, his form and fitness have deteriorated.
Walker recently suffered a fracture to his right elbow in training and has undergone surgery. He is expected to be sidelined for at least four to six weeks — an absence that could mark the end of his time at San Siro.
The 34-year-old full-back has made only 12 appearances for Milan, and the Italian giants are increasingly leaning toward moving in a different direction for next season.
Walker had struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola in the first half of the current campaign and sought a fresh start in Italy. However, with Milan cooling on the idea of a permanent deal, he may now return to Manchester — although his long-term future at the Etihad remains uncertain.
The defender is expected to focus on his rehabilitation for now, but a summer of transfer speculation is likely as he nears the final stages of his career.