Liverpool yet to open talks with James Milner over new contract
Despite Jurgen Klopp’s desire to retain James Milner for another year, Liverpool has yet to begin contract negotiations with the veteran midfielder. The former Leeds United midfielder, who turned 37 in January, is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season (h/t The Athletic) [Subscription Required].
Klopp, however, is keen to keep Milner at the club and has publicly expressed his desire to extend his contract for another year. The vice-captain’s experience, leadership and versatility have proved invaluable to the team, and Klopp is keen to retain those qualities for another season.
Despite the German’s eagerness, there has been no movement on the matter since Klopp’s comments in January. It is obvious that the midfield department needs an overhaul, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season, and questions over the long-term future of Fabinho and Curtis Jones.
In this context, Milner’s experience would be invaluable to the team. He has played a key role in the club’s recent successes, including their Premier League title triumph in the 2019-20 season, and has been a model of consistency and professionalism throughout his time at Anfield.
Leader Milly at the Reds
The former England international, who joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2015, has expressed his desire to continue playing and ideally to commit to Liverpool for a ninth season. He has proven to be a reliable performer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the midfield and even at full-back when required.
For Klopp, Milner’s leadership and professionalism off the field are equally important, and the German understandably values the midfielder’s influence in the dressing room. With Liverpool set to undergo a period of transition in the coming seasons, Milner’s experience and influence could prove invaluable as the club looks to build for the future.
With no movement on the matter, a section of Liverpool fans will hope that the club will move quickly to secure Milner’s services for another year. Even if it comes with extremely limited game time. A player like Milner obviously understands his role in the squad at this stage.
Given his importance to the team and Klopp’s desire to keep him at Anfield, it seems likely that the club will offer the midfielder a new contract in the coming weeks.
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Milner may be approaching the end of his career, but his value to Liverpool both on and off the field is clear, and he could remain an important part of Klopp’s plans for the future.
