Kyle Walker Joins Burnley on Two-Year Deal from Manchester City in Surprise £5m Transfer
In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the football world, England international and veteran right-back Kyle Walker has completed a permanent transfer from Manchester City to newly promoted Premier League side Burnley. The 35-year-old defender, who has signed a two-year contract with the Clarets, joins for a reported fee of up to £5 million ($6.8 million), marking the end of an illustrious eight-year stint at the Etihad Stadium. The transfer, finalized on July 5, 2025, reunites Walker with his former Tottenham and England teammate, Burnley manager Scott Parker, as the club gears up for their return to the Premier League.
Walker’s move to Turf Moor comes after a challenging period at Manchester City, where he fell out of favor with manager Pep Guardiola during the 2024/25 season. Having spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, where the Serie A club opted not to exercise their right to buy, Walker returned to Manchester City but struggled to reclaim his place in the starting lineup. With younger players like Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis stepping up at right-back, and City’s defensive frailties during a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, Walker’s departure was widely anticipated as he sought regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The transfer was confirmed by multiple sources, including Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and Manchester City’s official channels, with Burnley announcing Walker as their fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The Clarets, who secured promotion to the Premier League with an impressive 100-point haul in the Championship under Parker’s leadership, have been active in the market, also signing Max Weiss, Quilindschy Hartman, Axel Tuanzebe, and Loum Tchouana, while making loan deals for Bashir Humphreys, Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, and Jaidon Anthony permanent.
Speaking about his move, Walker expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter in his career, highlighting Burnley’s defensive solidity and Parker’s vision as key factors in his decision. “When I spoke to Scott and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at,” Walker said. “He’s done an amazing job here, guiding the club back to the Premier League with a 100-point haul, and now we’re looking forward, together, at being back in the greatest league in the world. Burnley had a tremendous campaign last season, built on an incredible defensive record, and I can’t wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad.”
Walker’s arrival is a major coup for Burnley, who are looking to establish themselves in the Premier League after their relegation in 2024. With 410 Premier League appearances, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup to his name, Walker brings a wealth of experience and pedigree. Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in Premier League history, his pace, physicality, and leadership will bolster Burnley’s backline as they aim to compete in the top flight.
The move also reunites Walker with Scott Parker, with whom he played at Tottenham between 2011 and 2013. Parker, who also shared the England dressing room with Walker, has been praised for his transformative impact at Burnley, guiding the club to promotion with a style of play built on defensive resilience and attacking flair. Walker’s familiarity with Parker’s methods and his proven track record in the Premier League make him a natural fit for the Clarets’ ambitions.
For Manchester City, Walker’s departure provides financial relief, with sources estimating the club will save approximately £10 million ($14 million) in salary costs. The transfer fee, while modest compared to Walker’s market value at his peak, reflects his age and the final year of his contract with City. The club is now reportedly in the market for a new right-back, though talks for Newcastle’s Tino Livramento have stalled due to valuation differences. In the interim, Pep Guardiola is expected to rely on Nunes, Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and Abdukodir Khusanov to cover the position.
The transfer has sparked varied reactions. Some Manchester City fans have expressed disappointment, feeling that Walker’s exit—particularly after his captaincy in the 2023/24 season—marks the end of an era. Others, however, acknowledge that his form had dipped, with high-profile errors contributing to City’s struggles in 2024. On X, posts reflected excitement among Burnley supporters, with one user, @callmeeern, noting the deal’s performance-based add-ons, stating, “Permanent move worth up to £5m… if Walker will play 70% of the games + Burnley stay in Premier League.” Meanwhile, City’s official account on X wished Walker well, saying, “Wishing you all the best, Kyle!”
Walker’s decision to prioritize a Premier League move over offers from abroad, including a reported bid from Fenerbahce, underscores his desire to remain in contention for England’s 2026 World Cup squad. At 35, with 96 caps, he remains a key figure for the Three Lions, and regular top-flight football under Parker’s management could solidify his international prospects.
Burnley’s announcement of the signing was accompanied by a creative twist, with the club releasing a humorous video featuring Lionel Richie’s “Hello” to welcome Walker, adding a lighthearted touch to the transfer news. As the Clarets prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League season, Walker’s experience and winning mentality will be crucial in their bid to avoid relegation and build on their Championship success.
This transfer marks a new chapter for both Walker and Burnley, with the veteran defender poised to bring his trophy-laden expertise to a club on the rise. As the Premier League season approaches, all eyes will be on Turf Moor to see how Walker and his new teammates fare in the world’s most competitive league.
