Fabrizio Romano confirms Kyle Walker-Peters will leave Southampton for free, falsifying boss Simon Rusk's pre-matchday claims.
Last week, boss Simon Rusk's matchday comments on Kyle Walker-Peters had all Saints fans on the brink of their seats. And rightly so, as the supporters were torn between two unavoidable questions regarding the Saints veteran.
Firstly, whether KWP has played his last Saints game amidst injury and secondly, if he will leave for free given contractual tensions.
Being forced to bid goodbye to Walker-Peters on either condition would have been difficult, but sadly, Southampton fans are tipped to part ways with the club hero on the worst possible terms.
Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Rusk confirmed the fans' first fear of KWP's absence in the Arsenal matchday, saying: "One, he had a nasty illness which has taken a bit of getting over."
Concerning the even bigger fear of Walker-Peters' free departure, Rusk tried striking a hopeful tone, saying: "There's a balance, and not everything's black and white in terms of this situation."
But don't hold optimism Saints fans, as Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano confirms that Rusk's response was nothing but a sugarcoated version of the reality of Walker-Peters' situation. In truth, the defender has already decided to leave for free.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Kyle Walker-Peters' free exit this summer
Fabrizio Romano posted: "Kyle Walker-Peters will leave Southampton as free agent, playing his final game at the club this weekend. No decision yet on new club, exploring all options available."
Let’s be honest, this KWP reality will hardly shock the Saints fans, who have just feared acknowledging this situation.
In reality, Southampton's failure to either renew the veteran or sell him in January spoke volumes about this upcoming decision. And Johannes Spors' silence on the KWP situation, back in March said the rest.
All of the St. Mary's faithful will agree that Kyle Walker-Peters holds the potential to start in some of the best European clubs. Maybe, like club legend Fraser Forster, Southampton held back his trophy dreams till now and KWP goes on to win many European medals with his future club.