-Credit:Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.
The writing was on the wall when news came through that Kyle Walker’s omission from Manchester City’s FA Cup rout over Salford was a tactical decision.
When a player is missing from the squad these days, it’s always because they are ‘not fully fit’, or to coin a Pep Guardiola favourite, they have ‘niggles’. Who knows how many behind-the-scenes dramas or falling-outs have been put down to such throwaway reasons.
Every club does it, so it stands out when it’s tactical – see Marcus Rashford’s recent transfer saga at Manchester United.
READ MORE: Manchester United squad vs Arsenal confirmed as Marcus Rashford selection hint dropped
READ MORE: Man United icon Wayne Rooney lands new coaching role after Plymouth Argyle nightmare
Guardiola confirmed in his post-match press conference that Walker has asked to leave City this month, and was left out because of that request. Nobody can be shocked that Walker has come to that decision, yet it is still a shocking development when it’s presented so bluntly.
City are usually masters at conducting their business like this quietly – see Joao Cancelo’s ushering out the back door after a falling out with Guardiola.
One person who seemed genuinely shocked to hear the development was Nathan Ake, who spoke to reporters as he left the Etihad.
Or maybe he was shocked at the timing. “Well, he obviously wasn’t in the squad today,” he said, gathering his thoughts, before agreeing that Walker would leave as a club legend for his service to the Blues over seven-and-a-half years.
“He’s massive for us, been massive for us over the years,” Ake continued. “This year as well, he’s a big character in the squad. He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he’s been a top player for this club.”
Ake pointed to the leadership void Walker will leave: “It’s massive. He’s a big player for us, big character. Good guy as well, I’m very good with him. Let’s see what happens. There’s no doubt he’s been a massive player for us.”
Guardiola led the tributes to Walker moments earlier.
The manager said: “We cannot understand the club had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have.”
If Walker does leave, the timing feels right even in the middle of a defensive crisis. City weren’t planning for any exits this month but the golden rule remains the same: if you want to go and present an acceptable offer, you can leave. Generally, that trumps any other transfer plans.
Ake offered another viewpoint when talking about City’s transfer interest in two young defenders – perhaps something that applies to Walker’s struggles this season.
“The club know what they’re doing. They’re trying to help the team and trying to get us back to where we belong,” he reflected. “Hopefully, if it happens, it will be good.
“Competition drives always everyone. Many years at this club now, everyone is used to it.”
For Walker, he has always relished the competition. He vowed that nobody would retire him for England in 2021 and bounced back last season after his Champions League final snub to captain City to another title and to world champion status.
His name in City history as their Club World Cup-winning captain is locked in. But if the competition has overtaken him this season, or he is one of the players Guardiola says isn’t up for the fight, even an icon like Walker isn’t immune to the transfer rule that does not care for what a player has done in the past.
As City look to the future, it’s hard to see Walker playing any more games after confirming his intention to leave. And the tributes have already begun.