James Milner turns down two longer Prem offers ahead of Liverpool announcement ‘this week’

Liverpool are expected to announce a new contract for James Milner this week after reports revealed he has chosen them over three offers elsewhere.

Milner has been a Liverpool player since 2015, when he joined on a free transfer from Manchester City. Since then, he has made 289 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals. Therefore, Liverpool are the side for which he has played the most during his lengthy career.

Their association could be about to extend into an eighth season together. Various outlets are now reporting that Milner is ready to sign a contract extension with the club.

His current terms were due to expire at the end of the month. But the 36-year-old, according to The Athletic, has agreed to a 12-month renewal with a wage cut.

Despite his age, Milner has remained an important player for Liverpool. He started 14 matches among 39 appearances in all competitions during the 2021-22 season.

What’s more, he took and scored penalties in the shootouts that saw Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this year.

Although no longer a regular starter, Milner is someone Liverpool can rely on in midfield or at full-back. Therefore, Jurgen Klopp will get to keep working with the former England international.

Indeed, Klopp has only ever fielded two players more than Milner across his managerial career. One was ex-Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic, who is only one appearance ahead of Milner in Klopp’s tallies and therefore will now be caught.

The other is Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino, who is also under contract at Anfield until 2023.

James Milner to snub Leeds United and sign contract extension with Liverpool

James Milner is ready to sign another contract with Liverpool after reports of return to boyhood club

It now seems a matter of time before it is confirmed that Milner will still be in that same squad next season. In fact, The Athletic report that an announcement could come this week.

The report also reveals that he turned down three other clubs to commit to Liverpool.

Two snubbed suitors came from elsewhere in the Premier League. They were each willing to give him a longer deal until 2024. In addition, there was an offer on the table from an MLS side.

James Milner part of the Liverpool furniture

Yet Milner will remain at Klopp’s disposal. Together, they will hope to add to the six trophies they have won with the club.

Interestingly, his next Premier League appearance will be his 200th in that competition for the club.

Also from a personal perspective, Milner will also celebrate two decades as a Premier League player when the anniversary of his Leeds United debut falls in November 2022.

Reaching that landmark while at Liverpool, a club competing for major honours every season, is testament to Milner’s longevity. It is not hard to see why Klopp trusts him so much and has him as his vice-captain.

Even if he could have played slightly more elsewhere, Milner and Liverpool will still be valuable to one another.

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