Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

James Milner: Liverpool exit ‘all but done’ with veteran midfielder ‘blown away’ by next club

James Milner of Liverpool, August 2022

Liverpool midfielder James Milner is on the verge of becoming a Brighton player in the summer, according to a report.

Milner’s move on a free transfer is ‘all but done’, per Sky Sports News. Liverpool’s vice-captain is due to reach the end of his contract at Anfield in the summer and now looks likely to make way.

Previous reports had claimed that Jurgen Klopp would have willingly kept Milner on board because of his experience. However, members of the Liverpool hierarchy seem to have decided against offering the 37-year-old a contract renewal.

In turn, it recently emerged via The Athletic that Brighton have been eyeing a swoop for Milner.

And things have developed quickly, since Sky Sports News now says the move is on the verge of completion.

According to the latest report, Milner has been ‘blown away’ by Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Impressed by the Italian tactician having seen how Brighton play and also hearing how respectfully he treats older members of his squad, he looks set to head south in order to work under him next season.

By joining Brighton, Milner will be able to reunite with ex-Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana.

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The Seagulls are trying to secure European football for next season too. Although currently eighth in the table, they have games in hand over the sides above them in the table.

If they do make it into the Europa League or Conference League, it would help to have some more senior guidance for their youthful squad.

As a previous winner of the Champions League with Liverpool, Milner seems to be exactly what they are looking for.

James Milner exit to represent end of an era and changing of the guard at Liverpool

His departure from Liverpool will be just one part of a major midfield revamp on Merseyside this summer. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also leave Liverpool when their contracts expire.

Furthermore, Arthur Melo will return to Juventus after his injury-disrupted loan spell.

Liverpool are aiming to replenish their ranks accordingly in the middle of the park. It will be important for them to find new energy to add another dimension to their side.

Perhaps that is why they are ready to move on from Milner. Although after more than 300 appearances for the club, he will be able to leave with his head held high.

And the fact that another side currently sitting in the top half of the table are willing to offer him a new opportunity is proof of the high regard in which he still deserves to be held.

Other than Brighton, Milner has been attracting interest from Burnley, where he could have played for his former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany.

But it appears that the former Leeds man’s destiny will be to relocate to the south coast with Brighton.

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