Liverpool have reportedly asked James Milner to reconsider his decision to leave the club this summer, with the 37-year-old close to joining Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to Goal, the Merseyside club have recently urged Milner to stay on at Anfield with his contract expiring at the end of this season, with Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls seemingly winning the race to sign the versatile midfielder this summer.
The £120,000-a-week veteran has been instrumental to Liverpool in his eight years at the club, and despite Milner’s age, the midfielder has remained a key part of the dressing room and Klopp’s system, with the former Manchester City man now set to leave Liverpool.
As per the report, a deal to sign for Brighton is close to being completed, with Milner due to join one of the youngest teams in the Premier League as they look ready to embark in their first European campaign this century, even with Liverpool making pleas to the midfielder to stay.
Indeed, Milner’s decision to leave Liverpool is one of potentially many that could change the fundamental make-up of the squad, with Roberto Firmino also announcing his intention to depart Anfield at the end of this season, yet these exits could be key for the Reds in the summer.
Liverpool need Milner to leave if they’re to truly evolve the squad
From Klopp’s perspective, there’s a good reason why the German was adamant on keeping Milner around for an extra year, with the former England international a manager’s dream in terms of performances, training and fitness, yet Liverpool could need the veteran to leave if they’re to truly step into a new era.
Plenty of names who have been at Anfield for years are due to depart this summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez all tupped to leave Liverpool, and although Milner would be a good player to keep around, the 37-year-old leaving might be for the best.
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