An insight into James Milner’s Liverpool future has been provided on Sunday.
The 36-year-old has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s success over the last several years, but is out of contract in June.
Now though, Goal have provided an update on the situation, reporting that whilst there have been initial talks between the club and his representative, Matthew Buck, over extending his contract, it is fair to say that there are doubts on both sides at present.
However, Jurgen Klopp is said to want Milner to stay and has made that point both the player and to Julian Ward, Liverpool’s incoming sporting director. Crucially, Goal add that the smart money is on an agreement being reached over a one-year extension.
Milner stars
Said update comes after James Milner put on a clinical vs Newcastle on Saturday.
Liverpool picked up a 1-0 win on the day, with Milner playing a key role in starting the move which led to Naby Keita scoring:
Wonderful feet from Naby Keita ?
Liverpool take the lead and the Newcastle fans aren’t happy, but it looks like James Milner got his challenge just right… pic.twitter.com/1gdngbRXmb
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 30, 2022
Following the game, Jurgen Klopp was also full of praise for the veteran midfielder:
“He was outstanding,” said Klopp. “Milly is Milly and is incredibly important for us and that is very important. We talk about the dressing room, he is very helpful there, especially with a manager who is not a native speaker.
“But on the pitch as well, he played a super game. I loved this game from the boys and James was a massive part of that.”
Klopp added: “It would be interesting to look at Luka Modric. Is he not 36 as well? Obviously a good generation. It’s difficult to be fitter than Milly, he’s a role model.
“I told him, nothing that we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner. Easy as that. Whether he’s on the pitch or not. He stands out in a way not a lot of people can stand out. He’s educated all of us.”
