Burnley complete signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City

Burnley have completed the signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City on a two-year deal.

The move comes as a huge surprise; although Walker was expected to leave the Etihad in the summer with a year left to run on his contract, the right-back had been strongly linked with a move to Everton, but newly promoted Burnley have won the race for Walker's signature.

"I'm delighted to be here," said Walker to the club website.

"When I spoke to Scott and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at. 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."

The Clarets will pay £5m for the signing, and though it's not clear how much of Walker's existing £200,000 a week salary Burnley will take on, the move will take a chunk out of City's wage bill.

Having seen his game time reduced, Walker was close to leaving Manchester City in 2022 before being convinced to stay on for another couple of years by Pep Guardiola as the side went on to win the Treble of Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

But Walker was surplus to requirements last season and was sent on loan to Milan, who decided against moving to make the deal permanent.

It will be fascinating to see how Walker gets on at Turf Moor. Throughout his career, Walker has played in dominant sides, be it Sheffield United in the Championship or Tottenham or Manchester City in the Premier League, where his attacking instincts allowed him to flourish, so the switch to a side expected to be embroiled in a relegation battle will be a new challenge for Walker.

Walker is the latest signing in what needed to be a busy transfer window for the newly promoted club, joining the likes of Loum Tchaouna, Bashir Humphreys, Jaidon Anthony, Quilindschy Hartman, Zian Flemming, Max Weiss and Axel Tuanzebe in moving to Burnley this summer.

Liam Williams

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