MANY Spurs fans will admit that losing one of our superstars is inevitable this summer.
One of Dele Alli, Harry Kane or Toby Alderweireld would be your first guess at a big money move away- but we find ourselves saying goodbye to good old Kyle Walker.
The 27-year-old has evolved into one of the brightest defenders in Europe – and in an age where attacking full-backs are vastly sought after, Spurs happen to be in possession of some of the best.
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It’s no denying that Mauricio Pochettino has created one of the finest teams in the country, with a young English core at the heart of it.
Walker, who was already part of the squad when Pochettino arrived at 2014, has progressed tenfold under the Argentine.
With the attacking side of his game far stronger than that of his defensive abilities, athleticism often gets the right-back out of dangerous situations, which he often puts himself in.
Pochettino has been instrumental in not only adapting this style to suit his philosophy, but encouraging Walker to push the boundaries of what his body can do.
His explosive power and speed is second to none in the Premier League, and it is little surprise that Pep Guardiola has now come knocking at the door.
Often speaking about his love of what Pochettino has created at Spurs, an array of English talent is something Manchester City have severely lacked in recent years.
Frequently signing English squad players to bulk up their homegrown numbers, Guardiola will be desperate to not only increase this circle, but sign Englishmen that will play a bigger role than warming the bench.
But why would Spurs give Walker up? Sadly, it’s a transfer that simply makes sense for the player as a person, and for the business-savvy nature of the game.
The English international is probably the only first-teamer Spurs can afford to lose this summer. That’s right.
Although his influence has been noticeable in helping the club to finish in their highest ever Premier League finish, we happen to have a truly brilliant backup in Kieran Trippier.
We’re fortunate that we won’t have to go and get a like-for-like replacement in, however with £40million in the bank, fans will want to see it reinvested in the squad.
So why would Spurs part with him so easily? Well there’s several reasons.
Firstly, Walker could live back in his hometown of Sheffield and still join City which is just 30 miles or so outside of Manchester.
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As silly as it seems, living back at home is an attractive proposition for English players.
Secondly, he perhaps feels that he’s evolved as much as he possibly can in North London.
The player has significantly improved in his time at the club, especially under Pochettino, and after eight long years may fancy a change of scenery.
Rather significantly in modern football, Walker is a Nike-sponsored player. Although Tottenham are soon to adopt Nike as their shirt sponsors, Walker can increase his contract with the sports brand at the Etihad.
This was especially poignant in Paul Pogba joining Manchester United last summer with his ties to Adidas.
Admittedly, his quotes this week not committing to a Spurs future are rather deflating as in the buildup towards the end of the season, the right-back was very vocal in his love of the club.
The way he is now handling his departure is quickly spoiling an otherwise fantastic eight years in North London.
The player owes a lot to Pochettino, as many of the current crop do. As mentioned previously, we can afford to let him go.
The likes of Eric Dier and even Dele Alli, who have been linked with moves away, may feel they still have things to achieve under the Argentine.
If this is truly the end, Walker has given Spurs fans some wonderful memories. That goal against Arsenal one of the highlights.
But sadly, the inevitable exodus may have begun. Look after him Pep, our kid has a lot to offer.
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