Exclusive: Manchester City identify Kyle Walker replacement who once rejected Barcelona, Aston Villa also keen
Yesterday at 06:15 AM
- EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey
Hugo Viana has some significant tasks on the agenda at Manchester City when he replaces Txiki Begiristain in the summer of 2025.
The Portuguese Director of Football – who will swap Sporting CP for Manchester City at the end of the season – could have to replace Pep Guardiola amid doubts over the Spaniard’s future, a gigantic job seeing as many consider him to be the greatest manager in the club’s history.
Despite the fact his contract expires in July, TBR Football have been told Begiristain expects Guardiola to sign a new deal.
Furthermore, Viana evidently needs to find a competent backup for Rodri in the market, after the Citizens lost four games in a row without the influential Ballon d’Or winner.
There are also a couple of key men who are getting on a bit, with Kevin De Bruyne turning 34 in June, while Kyle Walker is 35 in May.
Now – however – sources have informed TBR Football that Manchester City are already doing their homework on Espanyol No.23 Omar El Hilali as a replacement for the England international in defence.
Manchester City want Omar El Hilali
TBR Football understand Manchester City are showing a keen interest in the Moroccan defender, as those inside the Etihad Stadium prepare to find a long-term replacement for Walker.
El Hilali – who rejected offers to join Barcelona earlier in his career – has shone for Espanyol on the right of defence so far this season across 12 appearances in La Liga.
The 21-year-old is said to have caught Manchester City’s eye while being scouted by the Citizens, although sources tell TBR Football that Aston Villa and Brighton are monitoring the defender too.
El Hilali is not the only right-back on Manchester City’s shortlist, however.
TBR Football are aware Manchester City also admire Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen – who the Citizens actually sold to Celtic back in 2019 – while Monaco No.2 Vanderson of also of interest.
Frimpong is being scouted by Liverpool too, amid doubts over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Omar El Hilali can cover two positions
If Manchester City end up winning the race for El Hilali in 2025, he could prove to be a similar signing to Josko Gvardiol – thanks to his versatility.
The man born in L’Hospitalet can also play in the centre of defence as well as on the right, similar to the Croatia international, who is thriving at left-back despite being a natural central defender.
It is worth noting that Frimpong and Vanderson – Manchester City’s other potential candidates to replace Walker – cannot operate centrally like El Hilali, which makes the Moroccan a more attractive prospect.
