James Milner admits he almost signed for Everton when he was younger – only to never hear back from the club. Liverpool can thank them.
James Milner was once one of the brightest young talents in English football. That was now over 20 years ago – it’s been an incredible Premier League career for the Liverpool midfielder.
But things could have been very different. Milner came through at his local side Leeds United, of course, but only actually signed for them as a youngster when a move to Everton didn’t materialise.
He explained the story on Liverpool’s new podcast.
“I was playing for a local team in Leeds and I got scouted by Everton, I got asked to go on trial,” said Milner. “It was just before Christmas time, when I was 10 and the game got called off because of snow.
“I never heard anything and then Leeds came on three or four months later, and they signed me. It could have been different!”
James Milner nearly joined Everton
To be fair to Everton, Milner would probably have done very well coming through at Everton in that David Moyes side. That was a team in his style – professional, physical, and with an incredible work-rate.
But it almost certainly would have ruled out a move to Liverpool down the line, so we’re thankful they never called back. He’s become such an incredible player to have at the club, both on and off the pitch.
And we think it’s safe to say that Milner’s path to Liverpool did him good. He played for several established Premier League sides, generating a wealth of experience that few can match.
So in the end, it worked out for everyone involved, we’d say. Except Everton, of course, but few things do when it all comes down to it.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
