Klopp demands Liverpool board sanction bold deal for midfield star to prevent another ‘huge loss’
Jurgen Klopp has made up his mind about what the future should hold for one of the midfielders currently scheduled to leave Liverpool this summer, according to a report.
Liverpool’s midfield could undergo a major evolution during the summer transfer window. It is an area they have failed to strengthen appropriately with new signings in recent years. Now, there has been a realisation that that needs to change.
In the opposite direction, some existing players will be shown the door. For example, a handful of Liverpool midfielders are due to be out of contract at the end of the season.
Arthur Melo’s loan spell from Juventus will end, while Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are due to become free agents.
A recent report revealed that time is definitely up for Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, vice-captain Milner has earned a little more time for the club to consider his future.
Despite being 37 years old, Milner remains in good condition. Therefore, he wants to continue his playing career. Whether that will be with Liverpool is something that has been expected to become clear after talks with Klopp in the coming weeks.
An update from Football Insider has now clarified what the manager really thinks about keeping Milner at the club.
According to the report, Klopp has told the Liverpool board to sanction a contract renewal for the former Manchester City star.
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It is claimed that Klopp feels a departure for Milner would be a “huge loss” to the club. After failing to convince Roberto Firmino to stay beyond this season, that is obviously something Liverpool want to avoid.
Hence, Milner could receive an offer to renew his deal for another season. And the report predicts that he could quickly come to an agreement in that case.
James Milner can still be part of Liverpool future
Therefore, Milner could enter a ninth season with Liverpool, where he remains an important presence on and off the pitch for Klopp.
Even this season, he has managed to make 32 appearances in all competitions. In fact, he has played more than 30 times in each of his seasons at the club, which is testament to his longevity.
How much Milner would play next season may well depend on who else Liverpool bring in. But as someone who can cover at full-back too, the ex-England international should still be able to help the team in multiple ways.
It isn’t too common for top clubs to keep players this late into their thirties. But Milner has shown in recent seasons that he isn’t just a common athlete, rather an exemplary Premier League professional.
Thus, he will have earned a new deal if Liverpool do present him with one.
And with all the upheaval that could follow in their midfield, why shouldn’t they preserve some stability by retaining the services of someone Klopp knows he can trust?
There could – and will – be flashier players in Liverpool’s midfield department in the long term. But Milner is still someone worth keeping around to help oversee the transition in that territory.
Liverpool are the club he has represented the most in his career – more than 300 times, in fact. It would be fitting if he could continue there longer while he still feels able to contribute at that level.
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