Kyle Walker eyes up mega-money move away from Man City in wake of frenzied speculation about his turbulent love life
MAN City ace Kyle Walker is considering a move away from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia.
The England defender, 33, has sought advice from former teammate Riyad Mahrez about relocating to the Middle East.
Mahrez, also 33, left City to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in a big-money signing last year.
The Algerian winger is reportedly on £45million a year and Walker could expect similar if he heads for the riches of the capital Riyadh or another city in the oil state.
Kyle, who is expected to play for England in the Euros in Germany this summer, is said to be “very happy” at title-challengers City.
But pals say he is “exploring all options further down the line” in the wake of the frenzied media speculation about his turbulent love life.
Wife Annie Kilner — mother to four of his kids — is also open to a move when the time is right.
A source told The Sun today: “Kyle has been thinking about his future after the Premier League and thinks a move to Saudi could be perfect for him, Annie, and their kids when he is done here.
“He has been speaking to Riyad about the football clubs out there and what life is like for people who move there. Obviously, the lifestyle is vastly different.
“Kyle loves playing for Man City and is devoted to the club but he has his head screwed on and has been thinking about what the future holds for him when his time in the Prem and for England is done.”
The source added: “His conversations with Riyad have opened his eyes to what it is really like to play for the clubs out there and what the reality would be if he moved there.
“It is something Kyle and Annie have discussed too and she would be open to relocating there at some point in the future with their kids.
“And, of course, there would be a lot less public scrutiny on him which he would relish, especially after the past few months of turmoil which has been so publicly played out.”
Mahrez moved to Saudi with wife Taylor Ward and their young daughter.
A clip of influencer Taylor bursting into tears after he told her about his move was seen on social media.
But after the move, she said: “When I went on my first trip, I saw a Nando’s. I was just like, ‘I’m so happy they’ve got Nando’s’.”
