Kyle Walker Shocks Football World with Stunning Switch to Premier League Rivals

Kyle Walker is poised to depart Manchester City following his agreement to a surprising transfer to Burnley, according to recent reports.

The England defender was placed on the transfer list in January after requesting to leave the club and subsequently spent the latter portion of last season on loan at AC Milan, though the Italian side chose not to exercise their permanent signing option.

Walker was then excluded from City's Club World Cup roster as discussions regarding his exit from the club commenced. While Everton emerged as potential suitors earlier in the summer, The Athletic first broke the news that Burnley had reached an agreement.

City have approved an offer valued at up to £5 million ($6.8 million), with Walker's exit also allowing them to reduce their wage bill by approximately £10 million ($13.6 million).

Walker is currently completing his medical examination before what would mark a reunion with Burnley boss Scott Parker, his former colleague from their time together at Tottenham Hotspur.

Although the move to the Premier League newcomers might appear unexpected initially, signing with Burnley enables Walker to stay near his family in Manchester, as the two cities are located less than 30 miles apart.

City are also looking to secure a purchaser for winger Jack Grealish, who has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, as they aim to balance their exceptionally active transfer activity throughout this calendar year.

During this summer transfer window alone, City have signed Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli, adding to their January signings of Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.