04 May 2023 , 16:47
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Liverpool veteran James Milner is edging towards the end of his Anfield chapter with a move to Brighton close.
The 37-year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer and is not expected to pen a new deal on Merseyside. Premier League rivals Brighton have already been linked with a swoop for his services and it appears that a deal is close to completion.
He is set to join the Seagulls on a free transfer ahead of the 2023-24 season and could well get the chance to play in Europe next term. Brighton have shone under the stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi and sit eighth ahead of Thursday evening’s showdown with Manchester United at the AMEX.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds recently asked Milner to reconsider his decision to leave Anfield but he is now set to wave goodbye to the club. No contract offer has been forthcoming from Liverpool, leaving him free to complete his move to the South Coast.
The news is no doubt set to be a blow to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who has previously hailed Milner for his role in the dressing room. Speaking last year, he said: “He’s a role model.
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“I have told him, I can tell the whole world – nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner, it’s as easy as that. Whether he was on the pitch or not, he’s set standards in a way not a lot of people can set standards, and it educated all of us.”
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Meanwhile, the German recently hinted that a coaching role was on offer for Milner should he remain with Liverpool. He added: "I am pretty sure the club should use his character and mindset and it was really special. We have different plans for Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing."
Milner initially arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2015 during Brendan Rodgers’ stint at the helm. The former Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa man has gone on to make 328 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.
The club have won a host of trophies in that time including the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup. Opportunities have however dried up for the 61-time England international this term.
Of his 39 appearances, only 11 have been starts. His last appearance in a Premier League starting line-up came during the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace back in February.
In moving to Brighton, Milner will be reunited with former Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana. The 34-year-old moved to the South Coast in the summer of 2020 and penned a new one-year deal with the side last month.