Liverpool have offered veteran midfielder James Milner a new contract that will extend his stay at Anfield for another season.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool have offered veteran midfielder James Milner a new deal that will keep him at the club for another season.
Milner joined the Reds from rivals Manchester City in 2015 on a Bosman deal and has since established himself as a leader in the squad. The veteran Englishman has, so far, made 285 appearances for the Merseysiders, scoring 26 goals and assisting 44 more. His influence in the squad runs far deeper than just goals and Jurgen Klopp is well aware of it.
Now 36, Milner’s playing time has taken a hit this season. However, he continues to impress when called upon and is still a reliable player in Klopp’s squad. He was a bundle of relentless energy in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United at the weekend and made the decisive tackle that led to the Reds’ winner.
With Jurgen Klopp extending his stay at Anfield up to 2026, several decisions need to be made in the summer. One of them is concerning Milner, whose current deal expires at the end of the current campaign.
Despite his age, the Reds appear keen to keep him on. A one-year deal has been proposed and the player is ready to accept it. His leadership, energy and versatility make him a sort of utility man who can fill in when needed in several options across the pitch.
With several players ageing, the time is ripe for Liverpool to rebuild and put together their next great team. While an infusion of youth is necessary, one cannot discount the role that hardened veterans bring to the squad. There are few better professionals than Milner, and it is clear why he still has a role to play at Anfield.
Milner was a vital cog in Liverpool’s run to the 2018 and 2019 UEFA Champions League finals and could be part of a team that could go on to make history this season should they win the unprecedented quadruple. With a contract renewal close, it seems like there are still several chapters of the Englishman’s story left to be written at Anfield.
