Kyle Walker Completes Stunning Burnley Transfer as Defender Ends Eight-Year Man City Stay and Returns to Premier League After AC Milan Loan
Crystal Palace FC v Manchester City FC – Premier League
Kyle Walker has ended his eight-year association with Manchester City by signing for newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley.
Kyle Walker signs for Burnley Extends Premier League Career leaves Man City after eight years
WHAT HAPPENED?
Walker has signed a two-year deal at Turf Moor, linking up with his former Tottenham team-mate Scott Parker. The full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan from City, where he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League after signing from Spurs in 2017. GOAL understands City will make a saving of roughly £10 million ($14m) in salary due to Walker leaving.
In one of the most unexpected moves of the summer, veteran England international Kyle Walker has officially completed a shock transfer to Burnley, bringing an end to his illustrious eight-year spell at Manchester City. The deal marks the full-back’s return to the Premier League after a short but eventful loan stint with AC Milan and sees him reunite with English football in dramatic fashion.
The 34-year-old right-back has signed a two-year contract with the Clarets, with the option of a third, and is expected to bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and defensive solidity to a Burnley side eager to re-establish themselves in the Premier League after last season’s relegation scare. The move was confirmed on Friday morning, sending ripples across the English football landscape and signalling a bold new direction for both Burnley and Walker.
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🔵 Farewell to Manchester City After a Decorated Era
Kyle Walker leaves Manchester City as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for £45 million, Walker became a mainstay under Pep Guardiola. His remarkable pace, one-on-one defending, and ability to seamlessly adapt to various tactical systems made him one of the best right-backs in world football during his peak years.
In his eight seasons at the Etihad, Walker made over 260 Premier League appearances and helped the club lift an astounding 15 major trophies, including:
6 Premier League titles
2 FA Cups
6 Carabao Cups
1 UEFA Champions League
His role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2022/23 further cemented his legacy as one of the modern greats of English football. Yet, with age and increasing competition from younger players like Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji adapting to right-sided roles, Walker’s playing time became limited, particularly toward the end of the 2023/24 season.
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🇮🇹 A Brief But Meaningful Spell at AC Milan
Before finalising his move to Burnley, Walker had spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at AC Milan. The switch to Serie A was seen as a chance for the England international to experience a new footballing culture and keep himself match-fit ahead of potential international duty.
Despite joining midway through the season, Walker made a noticeable impact at Milan. He featured in 14 Serie A matches and 4 Europa League games, helping shore up a Milan defence that had struggled with consistency. His leadership on and off the pitch was lauded by Stefano Pioli, though it quickly became clear that a permanent stay in Italy wasn’t part of the long-term plan.
Milan ultimately opted not to activate the purchase clause in his loan agreement, opening the door for a dramatic return to the English top flight — but few expected Burnley to emerge as his next destination.
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🟣 Why Burnley? A Strategic Move for Club and Player
Walker’s move to Burnley has been met with surprise, but it makes sense on multiple levels. After their relegation to the Championship in 2024, Burnley have undergone a restructuring under new management following Vincent Kompany’s departure. With a new head coach at the helm, the Clarets are building a squad capable of bouncing back and then competing at Premier League level with more resilience than their last campaign.
The club’s owners have made it clear they want experienced Premier League leaders in the dressing room — players who can mentor younger talents and set a standard of professionalism. Walker fits that bill perfectly.
For the player, the move is about more than nostalgia or winding down his career. Walker reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, MLS clubs, and even a potential return to Spurs in favour of a project where he could play regular football, mentor the next generation, and remain in the Premier League spotlight.
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🗣️ Walker’s First Words as a Burnley Player
Upon completing the move, Walker spoke with the club’s official media team:
> “This is a new chapter, and I’m excited to get going. Burnley is a club with incredible fans, a great stadium, and a clear vision for the future. I’ve had an amazing time at Manchester City, but I’m ready for this next challenge and to help Burnley push forward.”
He added:
> “I’ve still got a lot left in the tank. I feel fit, motivated, and eager to play football. The chance to come in and be a leader here was too good to turn down.”
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🔁 Manchester City Reacts to Departure
City boss Pep Guardiola also paid tribute to the departing defender, saying:
> “Kyle has been one of the best professionals I’ve had the privilege to coach. His contribution to our success cannot be overstated. We wish him nothing but the best at Burnley. He leaves here a legend.”
Club captain Kevin De Bruyne also took to social media to say goodbye:
> “What a teammate, what a journey! Thank you for everything, Kyle. You’ve been massive for this team and will be missed.”
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🧩 What It Means for Burnley on the Pitch
From a tactical perspective, Walker is expected to provide immediate value. He brings elite-level fitness, positional intelligence, and the ability to play as a traditional right-back or as part of a back three — a system Burnley experimented with in their final weeks of the last campaign.
His experience against the very best — from Premier League title races to Champions League finals — gives Burnley a figure of calm and consistency. In high-pressure games, especially if they find themselves in another relegation scrap, Walker’s presence could be pivotal.
Moreover, his influence on Burnley’s young defenders, like Dara O’Shea and Vitinho, could be transformative. Walker has been widely respected as a vocal leader, both at City and during his England tenure.
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🧠 A Career Full Circle
In many ways, this transfer brings Walker’s career full circle. From Sheffield United to Spurs, then Manchester City, Milan, and now Burnley — he has experienced nearly every level of English football. His journey has been one of relentless growth, adaptation, and elite competition.
Yet even as he nears the twilight of his playing days, Kyle Walker isn’t looking to slow down. Burnley, in giving him a platform, may have just secured one of the smartest pieces of business in the Championship — and potentially the Premier League — this summer.
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🏁 Final Thoughts
Kyle Walker’s move to Burnley may have shocked fans and pundits alike, but it reflects the evolving nature of modern football: experience and leadership are still priceless assets. As Manchester City turn to the future, Burnley have capitalised on an opportunity to bring in a proven winner with plenty still to offer.
It’s a fresh start for Walker, a boost for Burnley, and a respectful conclusion to one of the Premier League’s most decorated full-back careers. And with the player adamant that he’s not done yet, the Premier League may just witness a few more explosive runs down the right flank from one of England’s finest.
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