Kyle Walker set for a surprising Premier League comeback in a move nobody expected
Kyle Walker might surprise everyone with a return to the Premier League this month, as Everton are reportedly interested in signing the former England defender from Burnley.
Walker joined Burnley last summer from Manchester City for up to £5 million, bringing valuable Premier League experience to the team. But unfortunately, Burnley struggled all season under Scott Parker, winning just four games and ending up well below the safety line.
Walker had a mixed season too, and many thought the 36-year-old would stay at Burnley to play in the Championship this year. He even captained the team and scored the winning penalty in their recent shootout win over Notts County in the Carabao Cup.
Burnley’s new boss, Nicky Hayen, mentioned that Walker might move inside to play centre-back this season, a position he played for England under Gareth Southgate.
However, The Sun says Everton might make a surprise move to bring Walker back to the Premier League. He could join the Toffees for a small fee since he still has one year left on his Burnley contract.
Everton have been trying for years to find a new right-back, and fans are getting impatient with the wait. Even Andy Burnham, a lifelong Everton fan and new Prime Minister, said, “We need a right-back. Jake O’Brien can’t keep playing there all season. He’s better as a centre-back.”
Right now, Everton’s only natural right-back, Nathan Patterson, played just seven Premier League games last season and is expected to leave soon, as he’s in the final year of his contract.
Everton have also shown interest in Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, so if Walker does come, he won’t be the only new right-back at the club.
Walker shared at last week’s EFL media day that he’s ‘very excited’ about playing in the Championship again for the first time since helping QPR get promoted in 2011. He said it’s a new challenge but the main goal is to help Burnley get back to the Premier League.
“It’s about mindset. The lads have tasted the Premier League, but now we need to stay focused from the first minute and prove ourselves to our teammates, fans, and the club,” Walker added.