Former Liverpool player Adam Lallana is one of the reasons James Milner is set to join Brighton this summer.
Milner looks ready to end an eight-year stay at Liverpool this summer, as his contract comes to and end. As per various outlets, the veteran is set to join his old buddy Lallana on the South Coast.
One of those outlets is 90min. They claim that Brighton are now ‘close’ to finalising an agreement with the Reds’ vice-captain.
That’s despite reported interest from Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and – bizarrely – Everton. All three clubs are in danger of relegation, and have reportedly asked Milner to wait to make his final decision.
But Brighton look set to win the day. And by the sounds of it they can thank Lallana, who is claimed to have ‘played some part’ in ‘sealing the deal’ for his old teammate.
Lallana pushing for Milner reunion
For a club renowned for bringing through top young talent, this looks like a really smart move from Brighton. Lallana joining back in 2020 raised a few eyebrows, but the 34-year-old has been a revelation at the Amex.
On the pitch more than he was in his later years at Liverpool and hugely influential in the dressing room, the former England international is really highly thought of.
There were even suggestions that Lallana was to step in as manager when Graham Potter left for Chelsea back in September.
In the end, that didn’t happen. But with Milner very much a manager in the making, perhaps we’re seeing the start of a coaching duo here.
Some Liverpool fans would maybe have liked to have seen that blossom at Anfield. But if it was the right time to part ways with Lallana three years ago, there are a few more question marks over the wisdom of letting Milner leave, too.
The Reds No.7 has still been a big part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad this season. Labelled ‘phenomenal’ by former Newcastle teammate Steven Taylor, Milner still has plenty to give. Unfortunately, in no small part down to the efforts of Lallana, he won’t be giving it at Liverpool.