Wayne Rooney blasts Pep Guardiola for ‘strange’ Kyle Walker transfer call as Man City loanee’s ‘importance’ highlighted after Champions League collapse vs Real Madrid

Wayne Rooney has publicly criticized Manchester City’s surprising decision to loan out their captain, Kyle Walker, to AC Milan during the January transfer window. Speaking after City’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Rooney labeled the move as “strange,” pointing out that Walker’s absence has left Pep Guardiola’s side exposed defensively at a crucial stage of the season.

The former Manchester United forward, who has faced Guardiola’s City multiple times in his career, questioned the logic behind allowing such an experienced and vital player to leave when the team was still competing for major trophies. “I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven or eight years for Manchester City,” Rooney stated. “It’s so strange to see Kyle Walker go out on loan to AC Milan.”

City’s defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu was a painful reminder of how vulnerable their backline can be, particularly without a natural right-back of Walker’s quality. Real Madrid exploited City’s defensive weaknesses, scoring three times in a thrilling contest that left the reigning European champions on the brink of elimination. Rooney emphasized that Walker’s leadership and defensive capabilities would have made a significant difference in such a high-stakes match.

Rooney further analyzed City’s defensive struggles, pointing out that their alternatives at right-back are not as reliable. “Manuel Akanji has done well, but he’s not a natural right-back, and Rico Lewis is still learning at this level. You need a player like Walker in these big moments,” he added. The former England international argued that Walker’s presence on the pitch could have prevented at least one of Real Madrid’s goals, stressing the importance of experience in crunch matches.

Walker, who has been a mainstay in City’s defense since joining from Tottenham in 2017, moved to AC Milan on loan in January after reportedly falling out of favor with Guardiola. The move surprised many, considering Walker was still one of the most reliable defenders in City’s squad and was even wearing the captain’s armband before his departure.

Guardiola, when asked about City’s defensive lapses against Madrid, acknowledged the difficulties but avoided singling out individual players. “It’s the fourth time we’ve played Real Madrid in the last few years, and every game has been difficult,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes football is like this. You can control large parts of the game and still lose.” However, critics argue that Guardiola’s decision to let Walker leave on loan has directly contributed to City’s current struggles.

Walker’s absence has forced Guardiola to shuffle his defensive options, with John Stones, Akanji, and even Bernardo Silva filling in at right-back at times. None of these players, however, possess the same speed, defensive awareness, and leadership that Walker brings to the role. His ability to track back and handle pacy attackers was particularly missed against Madrid, where Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo caused constant problems.

City’s struggles without Walker raise questions about the club’s transfer strategy. While the team is known for its depth, certain players remain irreplaceable, especially in key matches. The decision to let Walker leave midseason, when the team was still in contention for multiple trophies, seems to have backfired. Some reports suggest that Walker was unhappy with his playing time before the move, but letting go of a captain and leader at such a crucial point has left many baffled.

Walker’s future remains uncertain, with his loan deal set to expire at the end of the season. He will have one year left on his contract with City upon his return, but there are already rumors that he may seek a permanent move away from the Etihad. AC Milan could push for a full transfer, while other clubs might also come into the picture given Walker’s experience and pedigree.

For City, the focus now shifts to salvaging their season. With the Premier League title race heating up and their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, Guardiola must find solutions quickly. Whether that involves tweaking the defense or making tactical adjustments, City cannot afford more defensive lapses if they want to compete at the highest level.

Rooney’s comments reflect the growing frustration among football analysts and fans alike. While Guardiola’s tactical decisions have often been praised, this particular transfer move has raised serious doubts. Allowing a captain and defensive leader to leave midseason, with no clear replacement, is a risk that appears to have backfired.

City’s next challenge will be to regroup and ensure they remain in contention for silverware despite their defensive weaknesses. Guardiola, who has built one of the most dominant teams in football history, now faces one of his toughest tests yet. Can City adapt without Walker, or will his absence prove to be a costly mistake?

As the debate continues, one thing is clear—Kyle Walker’s value to Manchester City was perhaps underestimated, and his departure has left a void that may not be easily filled. Rooney’s criticism may sting, but the evidence on the pitch suggests he has a point.