‘Kyle Walker questioned over ‘terrible’ Manchester City exit decision’
England fullback Kyle Walker has been slammed over his transfer from Manchester City to newly promoted Burnley.
The 35-year-old fell down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order last season and subsequently joined Serie A giants AC Milan on loan last January.
Walker made 16 appearances for Milan, but could not prevent them from suffering an underwhelming eighth place finish in the Italian top flight.
The former Manchester City man is now tasked with helping Burnley remain in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last term.
Walker told he could have joined a Europe chaser after Manchester City exit
Before joining Burnley, Walker was linked with a move to Everton, but he has now reunited with former Tottenham teammate and Clarets boss Scott Parker.
During his time with Manchester City, the ex-Sheffield United man won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
But now that he has moved to Burnley, he is aspiring to achieve the more modest goal of keeping the Lancashire side in the top flight.
Speaking about Walker’s move live on talkSPORT [7 July], Dean Saunders said: “I think it’s a terrible move for him. I’m just being honest.
“I think he could have got a better club than Burnley. I think he could have played in one of the teams that are not going to be fighting relegation.
“He played for Man City last season. His legs couldn’t have just collapsed.
“I think he can play for a team like Crystal Palace, even (Nottingham) Forest. Teams who are on the fringe of Europe.
“Going to Burnley, you’re going to be in a scrap every week.”
Walker must perform for Burnley
Football Insider verdict
By signing the former Manchester City man directly from the previous Premier League champions, Burnley have signalled that they mean business.
| Kyle Walker stats | Serie A 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
The Clarets are determined not to suffer the same fate as in 2024, when they were relegated from the top flight just one season on from winning promotion from the Championship.
Walker’s impressive CV, which boasts four Carabao Cups as well as two FA Cup titles alongside his Premier League and Champions League accolades, shows that the right-back should have what it takes to help Burnley survive in the top tier.
But the 35-year-old has shown in recent months that he is not the world-class talent he once was, hence why Manchester City deployed him on loan last term.
Furthermore, Walker’s defensive shortcomings were largely responsible for England’s 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
However, Parker will need the Three Lions international to perform well to help the Clarets avoid the drop, while the former Sheffield United man will be intent on remaining in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking ahead of next summer’s World Cup.