(Football news) Liverpool legend James Milner is ending his Anfield chapter with a move to Brighton. The 37-year-old midfielder is set to be out of contract in the summer and is not expected to sign a new deal with Liverpool. Brighton were quick to be linked with a swoop for his services and it appears that a deal is on the verge of completion
Milner could well get the chance to play in Europe next season after Brighton’s last gasp winner against United. Brighton under the management of Roberto De Zerbi sit eighth and have exceeded everyone’s expectation. Liverpool on the other hand are targeting Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton as we experience a transfer merry go round. Jurgen Klopp asked Milner to reconsider his decision to leave Anfield but he is now set to wave goodbye to the club. He was offered a contract offer from Liverpool but now he is leaving on a free transfer to complete his move to the South Coast.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa man has made 328 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool. In his time with the Merseyside club he won the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup. But recently opportunities have however dried up for the 61-time England international this season.
Jurgen Klopp identifies Milner as the most consistent player in his team, out of his 39 appearances, only 11 have been starts. His last appearance in the Premier League was a disappointing 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace back in February. Moving to Brighton, Milner will be reunited with former Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana.
The 34-year-old moved to Brighton in the summer of 2020 and has recently penned a new one-year deal with the side last month. Brighton want to add experience in the midfield knowing that they are set to lose some of their key players in the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. Milner is going to be the second signing after João Pedro, who will join from Watford on 1 July in a club record £30m deal.
The news is no doubt set to be a blow to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who has previously hailed Milner for his role in the dressing room. Speaking last year, he said: “He’s a role model. I have told him, I can tell the whole world – nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner, it’s as easy as that. Whether he was on the pitch or not, he’s set standards in a way not a lot of people can set standards, and it educated all of us.”
Meanwhile, the German recently hinted that a coaching role was on offer for Milner should he remain with Liverpool. He added: “I am pretty sure the club should use his character and mindset and it was really special. We have different plans for Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing.”
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