With Liverpool expected to imminently undergo one of their busiest summer transfer windows in recent years, several names had been thought to be likely candidates to join a list of first-team departures. Among them, 36-year-old James Milner.
With the Red’s number seven starting just nine Premier League games over the course of this season, and his contract being set to expire, it looked likely that Milner would leave in search of regular playing time and a fresh challenge. Rumours linking the former Manchester City man to a host of destinations such as his boyhood team and debut club Leeds United circulated endlessly for months.
Despite the uncertainty, Jurgen Klopp had been vocal on his desire to retain the services of his vice-captain for at least another year.
“I spoke recently about ‘talks’ taking place to extend his stay with us and I thought it might make sense to use this platform to clarify that as I’ve seen some misleading reporting around it.
By talks I mean I indicated my wish that James stays with us beyond this season, in a playing capacity. James will keep playing, he has told me this. So he should, by the way.”
-Klopp in his program notes ahead of Liverpool’s 6-0 thrashing of Leeds United in February.
As per Fabrizio Romano and Paul Joyce, the talks between Milner and Liverpool that would grant Klopp his wish have been making steady progress.
James Milner has accepted to reduce his salary and sign a new contract with Liverpool until June 2023. 🔴🤝 #LFC
Jurgen Klopp wanted him to stay, it’s now set to be completed as expected and reported by @_pauljoyce. https://t.co/nawN6Wy0rw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2022
The German is now confirmed to have got his way, with the club confirming this afternoon that James Milner has put pen to paper on a one year extension.
We are delighted to announce that @JamesMilner has signed a new contract extension with the Reds 🙌🔴 pic.twitter.com/uaSHd0W4nJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 6, 2022
The Red’s manager outlined his delight at the opportunity to coach Milner, who has the most Premier League appearances of any active player, for another season to liverpoolfc.com –
“His professionalism is the benchmark for any athlete and it’s why he sets the tone for this team with his ability and attitude.”
Milner’s value to Liverpool exceeds his on-field contributions and his presence in the dressing room alone will come as a boost to the Reds, as they seek to bounce back next year following losing out to Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Premier League and Champions League respectively.
With several other senior figures on the FA and Carabao Cup winner’s roster still likely to depart in the next few weeks, Klopp may turn to several of the Kirkby academy youngsters to help bolster his ranks and chase more success in the coming season. As a result, having an experienced head such as James Milner on call to mentor Liverpool’s stars of tomorrow, both as a teammate and role model can be no bad thing.