Kyle Walker returns to Manchester City with Burnley in a homecoming that doubles as a reflection on his City career

Burnley travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a homecoming of sorts for Kyle Walker, the veteran right back now with Burnley on a deal reported to be worth up to £5 million. The 35-year-old spent eight years at City, captaining the side through heavy expectations and memorable runs, and his return to the ground as a Burnley player has rekindled discussions about his legacy and the decision that took him away from City earlier this season.

Walker’s captaincy helped City navigate a difficult spell, including the night after a Real Madrid penalty shootout defeat in the Champions League quarterfinal. In the hours after that loss, he convened a meeting with fellow captains Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Rodri to air their feelings and push Pep Guardiola to demand maximum effort in training for the run-in. City won all six of their remaining Premier League matches that season to clinch the title by two points over Arsenal. By January 2025, Walker had moved on, joining AC Milan on loan amid concrete interest from Bayern Munich.

Walker has since acknowledged that leaving City in January was a mistake. “I should have dug it out with the lads,” he said, reflecting on his decision to depart. “I should’ve stood next to my team-mates, my friends and people I class as my family. But for the first time in my career I was selfish.” His departure came as City needed leadership during a turbulent period, a backdrop that remains part of the broader narrative of his career.

Guardiola has spoken highly of Walker’s influence, describing him as a “commanding voice” in the dressing room. After the treble-winning season, the manager persuaded Walker to stay amid strong interest from Bayern Munich, a decision many observers credited with helping City weather upheaval when Ilkay Gündoğan and Walker were weighing their options. City later faced a period of reflection around the club’s future, while Walker’s departure was marked by a farewell attended by around 150 staff in the canteen. He later joined City’s Florida training camp during the Club World Cup and was part of the squad that watched Manuel Akanji’s farewell meal at a Mediterranean restaurant.

A Burnley signing, described by insiders as a deal worth up to £5 million, has seen Walker settle quickly at the Lancashire club. In the short time since his arrival, staff say he has become a standard-setter, driving higher standards on and off the pitch. He has been involved in mentoring younger players and coordinating with nutritionists and chefs to optimize the squad’s routines. In a recent performance against Nottingham Forest, Burnley’s coaching staff said Walker looked like the best player on the pitch, underscoring the impact a player with his experience can have on a developing squad.

On the field, Walker remains among Burnley’s fastest players. He has joked that only striker Lyle Foster is faster in the squad, a testament to the pace that has defined his style for years. The speed and reliability he provides are coupled with a discipline that has impressed coaches and peers alike, with Burnley’s staff noting his influence extends beyond mere football technique to overall professionalism and leadership in training and daily routines.

Walker's England career continues to be a significant personal driver. He is on 96 international caps and has spoken publicly about unfinished business with the national team, with ambitions to reach the century mark. The Burnley camp has also highlighted his role in maintaining a high standard of conditioning, with the athlete using his late-career experience to push peers forward—an attribute that has reflected in Burnley’s performance and training culture.

Despite the attention surrounding his return to the Etihad, City are not planning a grand re-immersion for Walker. Still, the legacy he leaves behind—his pace, reliability, and leadership—remains a benchmark for the club’s defensive and dressing-room standards. Guardiola has long praised Walker’s role within City’s era of success, describing him in terms that acknowledge his contributions as a defining part of what the club achieved over eight years.

As Walker continues to influence Burnley and contemplates his England future, his City tenure stands as a case study in longevity and leadership. His eight seasons yielded trophy-laden moments, and his influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping the culture that helped City sustain success year after year. This weekend’s meetings will not erase those memories, but they will add a new chapter to a career that has consistently blended peak performance with a relentless pursuit of excellence.