The Search For Kyle Walker's Successor

Since the 2017/18 season began, Manchester City have not had to worry about buying a new right-back, although that has been tested in the last two years. After the Treble-winning season, a move to Bayern Munich was turned down after being convinced to stay by Pep Guardiola, but in hindsight, that may have been the perfect time for both parties to move on. Regardless, it is clear the team needs a refresh, and one key area is right-back.

Kyle Walker has played over 1,900 Premier League minutes in eight of his nine seasons since 2015. If there was one defining characteristic that wasn’t his recovery pace it would be consistent availability. It’s been key for Gvardiol at LB. The next RB must also tick that box. Since the beginning of the 2017/18 season, no other defender across Europe’s Top Five Leagues has completed more passes into the final third than Kyle Walker (1,432), Trent Alexander-Arnold (1.308) 2nd. The RB must be excellent at passing, comfortable on the ball, and press-resistant. Recovering the ball, making tackles high up the pitch, and duel success as other important factors.

It’s quite clear to see the physical decline over time, in an area of the pitch where you just cannot afford to get by throughout a season without. In addition to that, Kyle Walker is not going to be a decisive player in the final third, contribute heavily to chance creation, dribble past players 1v1, or consistently penetrate the box. So when the recovery pace declines, the physicality is not there anymore and you are not the dominant duel winner you once were those weaknesses get exposed further. Although Rico Lewis has deficiencies defensively and with his athleticism, he still provides enough value in the final third that he’s a risk worth taking.

Rico Lewis (19) is a great option to have, inverting into midfield alongside a pivot or pushing further forward into the pockets. Something very few if any right-backs can do, let alone do it well. If Rodri was fit then I think a lot of his struggles this season just simply wouldn’t be happening, but with the lack of cover in transitions for him those weaknesses get exposed. That aside, I think his future is as a midfielder, and bringing in a right-back would free him up for that.

The other option, instead of buying a right-back is instead to look at another central defender, to free up and move Manuel Akanji (29) over there permanently. Knowing you have Rico Lewis as your rotation option, to provide something different, and worse case John Stones could play there. But would that be a long-term fit?

Bearing in mind the issues with squad age profile, we are looking for a player ideally pre-peak (21 - 23) or in their peak (24 - 26). Not signed up to a huge contract that would be expensive to get out of. That is not a liability defensively or that provides zero threat in the final third. That has the technical ability for Manchester City and raises the physical floor for a team that absolutely needs it.

Potential Successor’s

Before getting into some serious considerations, here are some of the other names to rule out for not being realistic financial, injuries, or the move coming too early in their development.

Tiago Santos (22) broke into the Lille team last season and started this one very well before picking up an ACL injury. Capable of inverting into midfield, providing a shooting threat on the edge of the box, presses well to recover the ball high up the pitch, provides well-weighted crosses, and loves to take on his man down the line. Unfortunately, the injury likely rules him out of any transfer.

Malo Gusto (21) would have been a real consideration before his Chelsea move but it’s unlikely now they can get him out with a reasonable fee. Reece James (24) without his injury struggles is the ideal type of right-back for the team but with that in mind, it rules him out. Michael Kayode (20) looks to be a very promising Italian right-back after his 23/24 season but he’s not started a match for Fiorentina in Serie A this season, usurped by another player. Which means he won’t be taking the step forward needed in his development.

Josip Stanišić (24) impressed me a lot last season playing for Leverkusen on loan from Bayern Munich, would be a Croatian teammate for Gvardiol and Kovacic, as well as fitting the role of a RCB in possession very well. Another player picked up a bad injury, tearing a knee ligament and that, for now, rules him out for consideration in the summer. Aaron Hickey (22) is expected to miss most of this season with a hamstring injury, that prevents him from building on the promise shown in the 22/23 season for Brentford.

Martim Fernandes (18) is breaking through to the Porto team this season, but a move would come too soon. Tino Livramento (22) I think was a big missed opportunity when he moved from Southampton to Newcastle. Unlikely he moves with a contract until 2028. Andrea Cambiaso (24) looks like he’ll be a key player for Motta at Juventus for years to come as well as the Italian National Team but has a very long contract, would be a return to Inverted full-backs if City bought him. 

Achraf Hakimi (25) seems to be the ideal all-around option at right-back but I’m not convinced that Manchester would do business with PSG despite only two years remaining on his contract. Jaunlu Sanchez (21) is a Spanish right-back playing for Sevilla that has shown plenty of promise but it’s quite early in his development to make this kind of move. Has been playing as a right winger as well as in midfield this season. Jules Kounde (26) is a fantastic right-back and would slot in seamlessly to the team just like Gvardiol did but he’s not a player City can realistically get at a reasonable fee, let alone dealing with Barcelona.

Yann Aurel Bisseck (23) would be on the list if he hadn’t just extended his contract with Inter Milan until 2029. Can play as a RCB, as part of a three, and at RB. Played fantastic against Manchester City in the Champions League, earlier this season. Javi Rodriguez (21) and Omar El Hilali (20) have impressed me playing in La Liga but a move in the summer is too early for them both.

Arnau Martinez (21) - Girona La Liga

The Spanish right-back is a player the club will know well, likes to tuck in, and utilize his passing ability to progress the ball. We’ve seen with Savinho how well-prepared players arrive after being coached by Michel. Broke through during the 22/23 season but was behind Y. Couto last season. Now he’s back to being the first choice.

Composed under pressure, he can distribute the ball well from the back and prefers to be conservative in his positioning. Opting to pick his passes and cross from deep rather than getting very high up the pitch. Relies on his first touch and technique to move past players. In the summer he’ll have two years left on his contract. Given Girona is in the CL this season it leaves some question marks whether this deal would be possible. It’s unlikely they’ll be in a UEFA competition next season but would that allow a summer move?

Pedro Porro (25) - Tottenham Hotspur Premier League

After not making it through to Manchester City, Porro found his way to the Premier League after going to Sporting CP. Whilst his defensive qualities have always remained a question mark, caught in no man’s land and not being aggressive in duels. Porro has improved while playing for the Spurs. Inverting into midfield allows him to attack the box more without relying only on his crossing ability, not that he can’t deliver. Excellent at beating his man 1v1, getting into the half-space around the box to create. Comfortable crossing from either wing. Now that Dani Carvajal is out injured, Porro has become first-choice right-back for Spain. In the summer he’ll have 3 years remaining on his contract and Spurs have both Archie Gray and Djed Spence behind him in the pecking order which might make them more open to a sale. Hugo Viana will know the player well.

Lutsharel Geertruida (24) - RB Leipzig Bundesliga

In the summer Geertruida would have four years left on his contract, having only just moved to Leipzig this year and so would be a difficult player to get out after only one year. Experienced playing as RB, RCB, and DM for Feyenoord is something quite valuable to Manchester City. This season for RB Leipzig he’s playing as the RCB but has the positional intelligence to move across different zones, create space for teammates, and exploit space himself.

Composes on the ball, shields it well, and can turn away from pressure quite easily. Can carry the ball out through pressure from the back line. Lacks the quality and volume of long-passing. Reluctant to switch. Can be too safe with his progressive passes despite playing for a possession dominate team like Feyenoord last season. He times his tackles well, efficient in winning the ball but is reluctant to tackle dribbles in the defensive third or step in to intercept which can lead to wingers creating dangerous chances. I’m not convinced he’s worth the hassle of getting out of Leipzig in the summer.

Jeremie Frimpong (23) - Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga  

Returning to Manchester City is something the fans would love to see and Frimpong has been linked to that return for a while now, all whilst having a tremendous season for Bayern Leverkusen (23/24). The wing-back system Alonso used gets the very best out of his attacking qualities in the final third, utilizing his pace and the volume of sprints he’s able to put in. With endless ball progression from his relentless carrying, Frimpong gets into dangerous positions in and around the box, able to provide crosses and score goals himself.

The question mark remains on his fit into a 4-back system given he’s not a dominant duel winner and you’ve not been able to see that tested since Leverkusen played with a five. At Manchester City, he’d likely be free to attack as they leave three at the back in possession. The value he provides in the final third makes Frimpong a genuine consideration for the role if you are confident he can leap forward OOP. The team is desperately in need of an attacking full-back and so is Savinho.

Vanderson (23) - Monaco Ligue 1 

Preferring to stay high, Vanderson can deliver dangerous crosses, has the technical ability in the half-spaces, and the willingness to take on shots outside the box. Comfortable pressing high, being aggressive, and proactive in winning back the ball. Vanderson times his jump well to steal the ball. Struggles with knowing the right time to hold his line, and to not leave so much space behind which can get him caught out.

Can create good chances in transition, is quickly able to create wide runs, and get’s his head up to make the right pass into the box. Capable of stepping into the half-spaces. Can escape pressure and has a good passing range. Won’t be a physically dominant player for aerial and ground duels but has improved from last season. In the summer Vanderson will have three years remaining on his contract.

Wilfred Singo (23) - Monaco Ligue 1 

This season Singo is playing as a RCB but at Torino he was at RB, showing his ability to play in both positions which would be useful for Manchester City. An incredible athlete who is powerful in duels, in the air, and as a ball carrier. He times his tackles well and is very willing to take on players in transition. Will overlap and deliver accurate crosses into the box. Quick feet and agile, Singo dribbles well enough that you forget about his size. I think the role of an RCB in a three is his best position and spending more time deeper for Monaco has allowed him to develop his defensive intelligence.

Alexander Bah (26) - Benfica Liga Portugal  

In the summer Bah will have two years remaining on his contract with Benfica. Issa Kabore is also on loan at the club with an option to buy, Bah leaving would open up the space for Kabore to move up the pecking order. At 26 years of age, this is the limit of what is ideal for a transfer this summer, being in the middle of his prime. He’s not the quick burst of acceleration type of player but medium to long distances is where Bah is fastest. Useful in recovery as much as it is for him providing underlapping and overlapping runs.

Times his leap very well to compete in aerial duels, a useful target for goal kicks. Lacks the upper body strength to properly dominate in ground duels but shields the ball well along with his long legs to retain possession. Comfortable with both feet passing. Not outstanding at long passing or playing under heavy pressure. Doesn’t strike through the ball well enough to get the power for switches.

Given how dominant Benfica is in the league, you’ll see Bah regularly get space to exploit outside and along the top of the box. The latter sees his incisive passing, knowing when to make the pass instead of carrying it for the sake of it. Prefers low-driven crosses when he delivers from out wide. Defending the wide areas, especially in transition is a strength of Bah, that he’s helped Benfica deal with as a possession-heavy team pushing high up the pitch. That is something Manchester City need.

If you had no restrictions on fees then any of Hakimi, Livramento, Kounde, and Cambiasso should be real considerations for the role but I’m not sure they will be available this summer and ideally, Hugo Viana needs to get the right-back as soon as possible. Alexander Bah is a safe option that I think would be cheap and an easy deal to do. I’m not convinced you can get Pedro Porro out of Spurs easily or for a reasonable fee.

I’m quite set on the idea that Manchester City needs to shift away from a flat four of central defenders across the back line and that you shouldn’t need to limit your threat in the final third by shifting a central defender out to right-back. Against Bournemouth this season, they would leave Kyle Walker free in possession because he’s not a genuine threat as the spare man. That needs to change, that’s why my pick is Vanderson.

The Ninety Three Twenty - Pedro Porro

Lloyd Scragg - Lutsharel Geertruida 
“The right mix of what we need between his physicality and ability on the ball.”

Blue City Brain - Lutsharel Geertruida

The American Cityzen - Vanderson
“I think City need a more traditional fullback. He's solid defensively and good going forward. Very good on the ball. French league is physical so it translates well. He's 23“

The Near Post - Wilfried Singo 
“Excellent recovery pace, can overlap, can underlap, and is a good 1v1 duellist. Singo is everything we need for a right-back.”

Bbebo_55 - Achraf akimi 
“One of the best in his position and with two years left on his contract. Can play inside, and outside, and can hug the touchline like Walker last season. Defensively solid, fast, good on the ball, and will provide high output in the final third. Adding much-needed strength down the RHS without De Bruyne.”

Adam Marrett - Jeremie Frimpong 
“I’ve been on the Frimpong to City bandwagon since last summer. He’d add something different to our attacking play, which we lack, although his defensive work isn’t top-notch. But I’m all for City moving for him.”

Kyle Boas - Arnau Martínez 
“If we wanted to get a right-back he’s my pick but I would rather see the club buy a central defender like Mika Mármol and move Akanji out to right-back permanently.”

LNobbins - Lutsharel Geertruida 
“He’s incredibly versatile, playing many games at RB/RWB/RCB. Can play centrally, whether that’s starting as a defensive midfielder or stepping into that zone. Although he only moved to Leipzig in the summer, he’d be worth the difficulty of getting him out.”

Dillon Meehan - Jeremy Frimpong
“The Dutchman is more winger than defender but provides a different style of attack than what we’ve previously seen under Guardiola. Pep has shown an interest in dribblers the past two windows, and Frimpong fits that mold. However, there are plenty of reasons why it can’t work. The downsides? He’s 5’ 7” and incredibly slim, has yet to show elite defensive ability, and doesn’t appear to have the ability to invert inside. However, this signing is the one I’m the most hopeful for, and hope it happens this summer.“

H. - Dayot Upamecano 
“Though he’s not a ‘traditional’ full-back, Upamecano is suited to being a RB in a City system which is often shaped in a three as a hybrid RB/RCB. You maximize by allowing him to consistently defend in the channels and mask their flaws, upgrade the general physicality in the squad, and be an upgrade on Kyle Walker on the ball—a long-term solution due to his age.“

Sheikh - Alexander Bah 

Those are the picks from Manchester City creators but I want to know what the picks are from our subscribers, if you let us know in the Google form linked below then we’ll go through those picks in the next newsletter. 👇