Micah Richards urges Liverpool to sign relegated 28-year-old star as James Milner replacement

Micah Richards suggests Liverpool to sign James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton

As per his column on the Daily Mail (h/t Hampshire Live), former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has suggested Liverpool make an offer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

The Saints are relegated to the Championship for next season. Richards has included Newcastle United in that list as well and talked about Ward-Prowse being a smart signing for either club.

After the defeat to Fulham over the weekend, Southampton officially became the first club to go down to the Championship this season. Although it became official on Saturday, the writing was on the wall for the last few weeks.

Here’s an excerpt from the column that Richards wrote which contains the part discussed above (h/t Hampshire Live, via Daily Mail):

“James Ward-Prowse will be low today. I have been in the situation as a captain when your club are relegated and the responsibility you feel is immense.

“It is not something you get over easily and he certainly will not be putting himself first. But we have to be honest: he is a saleable asset for Southampton and plenty of clubs will be keen on him.

“He will be a smart buy for someone and it would not be the worst decision in the world if Liverpool, who need a replacement for James Milner, or Newcastle tested the water when the window opens.”

Ward-Prowse has had a decent season despite the team’s struggles. Being the captain, he must be feeling low now as alluded to by Richards. But, the England international is a quality operator in the middle of the park.

He is a set-piece specialist who is good on the ball, works hard off it and can help in filling the home-grown quota in the squad. As Richards said, James Milner’s potential free transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion could leave a void to be filled, and JWP can do that.

Liverpool need more than one midfielder in the summer. With Ward-Prowse potentially available for cheap because Southampton are relegated, does he become an option for the Reds? From what the player can offer and the potential price tag, the answer should be yes.

The other Southampton midfielder Jurgen Klopp and his staff must look at is Romeo Lavia. The Belgian was impressive throughout the campaign and has a higher ceiling because of his age (Lavia is 19, Ward-Prowse is 28).

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants €50m deal Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele
• Virgil van Dijk ‘has told’ Manchester United target Jurrien Timber to make Liverpool transfer
• Liverpool leading the race to land Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister for £120m

Irrespective of what happens in the last three games of the season, an interesting summer window awaits the club. The owners must back the manager regardless of whether Champions League football is achieved or not.