Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says Manchester City right-back, Kyle Walker, is “welcome back here anytime.”
The Blades faced their former player for the second time this season on Tuesday, with Walker’s side getting the better of them once again in a 1-0 win for City.
The 29-year-old is a Sheffield boy and came through the academy at Bramall Lane. Walker played 35 times for United before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in February 2010.
The England international then joined Man City in the summer of 2017 in a £45m deal that BBC Sport reports earned the Blades £4.5m because of a sell-on clause.
Despite it being almost a decade since Walker left South Yorkshire, he still has a strong connection with the club. The defender has been seen back at Bramall Lane watching his boyhood team in action . He even joked Tuesday’s result would make things awkward with his family.
When you grab a tough away win back in Sheffield but realise you’ve got to face up to the family WhatsApp group 😬 pic.twitter.com/6H2IF6AWlz
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) January 22, 2020
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Could the Blades re-sign Kyle Walker?
(Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
“Kyle’s a Sheffield boy,” Wilder was quoted by the Irish Mirror. “I tried to tap him up when we played City but he said he’s got a another couple of years playing there.
“He’s one I would take and I think the world of him. I’m sure we’ll be able to find a role for him when he decides to leave Manchester.
“He’s a top player and he’s already said he wants to finish what has been a brilliant career back at Sheffield United. Don’t count against it.
“He’s still a top performer in the best league in the world. He’s welcome back here anytime.”
Walker has previously admitted he would like to finish his career at United. His versatility would also make him a useful option to Wilder, with his ability to play as a full-back and on the right side of a three-man central defence – as shown by his performances for England at the 2018 World Cup.
Walker has also been used more sparingly by City this season following the signing of Joao Cancelo. However, he is under contract until 2024 having only signed a two-year extension at the Etihad Stadium in June.
