Transfer News: James Milner rejected Aston Villa, Newcastle United and MLS clubs to sign new Liverpool contract
According to Goal (h/t Birmingham Live), James Milner turned down a transfer to Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and some MLS clubs in favour of signing a new Liverpool contract.
Milner has played for a number of clubs in his career, including the Villans, the Magpies, Manchester City, and Leeds United, but his loyalty cannot be questioned. And it was on full display with his decision to renew his deal at Anfield.
Perhaps this is a decision that benefits Milner more than LFC, considering we don’t really need him as a first-team regular. But it is unwise to suggest that the club has nothing to gain with his expertise.
Over the years, Milner has garnered immense experience and is clearly a leader on and off the pitch. The way he maintains his cool and composure in tense moments is the reason why Klopp continues to bring him on late in games when he wants to keep the scoreline intact.
Milner stays loyal
And he can keep doing that for at least one more year, with the 36-year-old signing an extension at Liverpool that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2023. Klopp clearly likes Milner.
His usefulness in a tangible sense was on full display in the two domestic cup finals. Milner took the opening penalty against Chelsea in the FA Cup and EFL Cup final shoot-outs, netting both of them.
The amount of knowledge he can impart to young LFC players is also something to consider. Players like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and newcomer Fabio Carvalho have a lot to learn from him in terms of how to go about playing at the highest stage.
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He could have had a bit more playing time at Villa Park under Steven Gerrard or at St James’ Park, but the Reds should be happy that he chose to stay. He is still an asset and without a doubt a living legend at the club.
