Player News: Ian Rush backs James Milner for a new Liverpool contract
Speaking in an interview to Gambling.com (h/t Liverpool Echo), legendary striker Ian Rush claimed that James Milner deserves to have a new contract at the club.
The English midfielder was brought in on a free transfer when his contract with Manchester City expired back in 2015 and he refused an offer to extend it further. And since then, he has been a key asset for Jurgen Klopp in his bid to build a virtually unbeatable Liverpool side.
Over the years, he has been a reliable midfielder for us but it was his spell as a left-back in the 2016-17 season that truly showcased the extent of his versatility. He also played a big role in Klopp’s team reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2018.
Now 36, he has been reduced to cameos but is a dependable option for Klopp to bring on when he wants to see a game out. Milner most recently played against Newcastle United in what was an impressive win for the club in their bid for the Premier League title.
The Englishman was in top form against his former club and showcased that he can still lend a hand to Klopp if needed. And that is exactly why Rush believes that Milner has earned himself a one-year extension at the club.
“Reports suggest James Milner is to be offered a one-year extension to his Liverpool contract and if that is the case then I’d have to say he most definitely deserves one.”
A new deal for Milly?
His current deal, of course, expires at the end of this year- after which he would be a free agent once again. But the Welsh striker, who scored 346 goals in 660 appearances for the club during his stay at Anfield, understands why Klopp may want to keep Milner around for longer.
“I can see why Klopp would be keen to keep him around – he keeps himself in fantastic shape and he can still be one of the top performers on the pitch as he was against Newcastle last weekend.”
Rush then added what most Liverpool supporters would already tell you- that Milner continues to be a great role model for the youngsters to learn from. His leadership is also an asset to have for any club and the dressing room would arguably be a better place for the team with him in it.
That being said, a one-year extension is perhaps the ideal time frame in order to avoid any risks. According to Goal (h/t Liverpool Echo) and as covered by The Kop Times, the club has apparently begun initial talks over extending his deal.
It remains to be seen if there is an increase or a decrease offered to him in terms of his weekly wages. The latter would naturally seem more likely given the player’s age but the details may be clearer if and when Milner decides to put pen to paper on a new deal.
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Liverpool take on Spurs today in what is the first of six massive games this month. If not a start, then Milner can still expect to have some important cameos towards the end of some matches in May when Klopp would want to shore up his midfield and see out a result.
