Kyle Walker will be unable to feature for his new club, AC Milan, until next month due to regulations that were introduced following Brexit, it was revealed on Thursday. So, fans will have to wait to see Kyle Walker AC Milan in action for a bit longer.
Walker, who departed Manchester earlier in the day, arrived in Milan around lunchtime. However, his progress has been hindered by bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Italian authorities in response to Britain’s exit from the European Union.
As a result, the experienced defender now faces the requirement of securing a work permit before he can officially join the Serie A giants. This development comes as a consequence of new immigration rules that dictate any non-EU national wishing to remain in Italy for more than 90 days must obtain such a permit.
Unfortunately for Walker, this means he will have to wait until next month to make his debut for Milan, further prolonging his eagerly anticipated move to Italy.
Walker AC Milan: What’s the Situation Now?
Kyle Walker is set to undergo a medical in Milan later on Thursday, ahead of his official unveiling at a press conference at AC Milan’s headquarters in the city. The eagerly anticipated event will mark the next chapter in the 34-year-old’s career, following his departure from Manchester City.
However, Italian media reported on Thursday that the move was nearly derailed after a late and unexpected bid from Saudi Arabia emerged, threatening to derail the deal at the 11th hour. This ‘last-minute bid’ added an element of uncertainty to what had seemed like a straightforward transfer, but Walker’s decision to move to Milan appears to have withstood the pressure.
The father of four, who will turn 35 in May, is set to join the Rossoneri on a loan deal worth £4.2 million. Importantly, the agreement includes an option for the deal to become permanent, with the possibility for Walker to remain in Milan until 2027. This move signals a significant step in his career, as he embraces the next phase in Italy’s top flight, bringing with him a wealth of experience and international pedigree.
Will Walker Stay In Milan?
Italian sources have suggested that Kyle Walker is ‘likely’ to stay in Milan until the weekend, with plans to meet his new teammates at the club’s training facilities on Friday. However, due to the ongoing issues surrounding his paperwork and residency permits, the 34-year-old will need to return to the UK shortly thereafter. As a result, he will miss AC Milan’s upcoming match against Parma on Sunday, as well as their Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb next week.
While Walker will not be eligible to participate in either match, sources have indicated that there is a possibility he could attend the games as a ‘spectator,’ offering support from the stands. Nonetheless, it is highly unlikely that he will feature on the pitch until all the necessary documentation is finalised, including the work permit required for him to play in Italy. This means that, despite his arrival at the club, Walker will have to bide his time on the sidelines before he can make his long-awaited debut for Milan.
