According to some reports, Leeds United could be in with a chance to sign James Milner next year for free as Liverpool might be reluctant to offer him a new contract given that he is already 32. Milner started his career with the Whites and was even a ballboy at the club before turning out as a professional footballer.
Liverpool’s transfer policy is such that they don’t often sign and increase the contract of the player who are in their thirties but one would feel that they might make an exception to this as Milner has been relentless in his performance of late.
The Whites faithful would love to see their former academy product come back at Elland Road for one or two seasons before he hangs his boots. But one feels that the way the Englishman is going, Liverpool might reconsider their decision to offer him a new contract.
The 32-year-old has been instrumental for Liverpool so far this season as he has formed a strong midfield partnership with his team-mates. The Englishman is usually one of the top players when it comes to clocking the distance on the pitch, and that shows how well he has taken care of himself over the years. Liverpool currently plays one of the most physically demanding styles of football as midfielders always track back and help the team defensively and along with that, they push forward whenever presented with an opportunity.
Leeds United are doing something similar at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa, and the Whites should chance their arm in bringing in their former prodigal son.
However, if the Whites fail to move to the Premier League by next season, this move can be ruled out. Even if Liverpool doesn’t offer him a new contract, a lot of Premier League clubs could be after him given his performance in midfield.
Apart from his performances on the pitch, Milner is a complete team man and has played almost everywhere across the pitch throughout his career. At Manchester City, he was often used as a right midfielder and never got many chances in his preferred central midfield role. Even at Liverpool, the 32-year-old played an entire season as a left back as Alberto Moreno was unable to cut the mustard at the top level.
At the moment, this move sounds more like a dream than reality, but things could turn in Whites’ favour dramatically if they continue to perform well in the Championship and secure their move to the Premier League. Milner could be tempted to return to his boyhood club especially when they would be playing in the top division after so many years.
