James Milner makes Leeds admission as he discusses Liverpool future
James Milner admits it will feel strange to face Leeds in the Premier League next summer were his former team secure promotion.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have their destiny in their own hands as they seek promotion back to the Premier League. They hold a six-point advantage at the top of the table from third-placed Brentford ahead of Saturday’s games.
Should Leeds return to the top flight, it’s been strongly suggested Milner will return to his boyhood club. That’s despite the Liverpool star signing a new deal at Anfield in December, taking him to summer 2022.
Milner, however, was quick to swerve talk of a return to Leeds. However, he did admit that facing United next season would feel strange.
He also thinks the top flight “will be a better place for Leeds in it” for the first time since 2004.
“You never know in football, what’s around the corner, but I just want to contribute and win as many trophies as I can for Liverpool and add to the great history here,” Milner told Sky Sports.
“I’m biased, but I think the Premier League will be a better place for Leeds in it, and it will be weird to play against them next season.
“It seems a long time ago since I pulled on that shirt, you look back at photos and see how big the shirts were back then. Plenty has changed since then, unfortunately I was part of the team that got relegated and they haven’t come back and recovered just yet.
“It would be great to see them back next season and their fans are incredible as well.”
Milner made 54 appearances for Leeds and became the youngest player to score in the Premier League, with financial difficulties and relegation leading to his departure for Newcastle.
The 34-year-old has since featured for Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League and numerous other trophies.
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Liverpool spearhead race for next ‘Arjen Robben’
Liverpool and Chelsea top the list of clubs keen on signing exciting Hoffenheim winger Nick Breitenbucher, according to a report.
The 17-year-old plays in the German side’s Under-17s set-up, with the season ended prematurely due to the pandemic.
However, the attacker caught the eye in 16 games this term, scoring 13 goals and assisting three others.
Indeed, he has since earned a promotion to Hoffenheim’s Under-19s set-up ahead of next season, along with a new two-year contract.
According to Spox, Breitenbucher’s teammates refer to him as the ‘next’ Arjen Robben due to his potential.
One source close to the player said: “He prefers the right front position so that he can pull in the middle and lock with the left.
“Nick has a good goal, is very agile and very fast.”