In a recent interview mentioned by Goal.com, Liverpool midfielder James Milner shed some light on his long-term future at Anfield and said, “As it stands, last year we spoke to the club and asked them if they wanted to do something and they said not at that time.
“We haven’t heard anything since, so that’s where we are at.
“All I can do is concentrate on my football and do what I can.
“But in terms of where I am with my contract, that’s what has happened up until now and I haven’t heard anything from the club.”
In a recent interview (mentioned by the Liverpool Echo), the Reds manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the English midfielder’s incredible contributions and admitted that success in football would be ‘impossible’ if it weren’t for players like Milner. The German manager said, “Four years back, I don’t know exactly what people thought of him, but he was a free transfer and for English football supporters that is never a good sign!
“It was a brilliant idea in that moment, because without players like Milly, success in football is absolutely impossible.
“The dressing room, I am often there but not often enough, and you need figures to deal with that. He’s perfect.”
Hence, it is difficult to understand why Klopp is delaying offering the English midfield veteran a contract extension. Milner will enter the final year of his deal at Anfield in the upcoming campaign so he would be free to depart the Merseyside giants next summer.
Milner’s Growing Influence As A Leader In The Liverpool Squad
The 33-year-old is currently an integral member of Klopp’s squad as he is vastly experienced at the highest level. He knows how to inspire his teammates to get over the line when Liverpool are not firing on all cylinders.
Milner has been a loyal servant for Liverpool over the past few campaigns since arriving as a free agent in the summer of 2015 after being released by Manchester City. He has gone on to make 177 appearances for the Reds, scoring 22 goals while creating 36 assists across all competitions.
The ex-Aston Villa star helped his team win the UEFA Champions League last season which cemented his legacy in the Merseyside club’s history books. Hence, there is no reason for the Reds not to offer Milner a new short-term contract as he is still going strong and has shown no indication of slowing down.
Not Offering Milner A Contract Extension: Massive Mistake By Klopp?
At 33, the English talent still has a few years left in him to play at a high level before he decides to hang up his boots and end his playing career. Hence, it would be a massive mistake by Liverpool if they decide to let Milner leave when his contract runs out next summer.
Maybe, Klopp is keeping his cards close to his chest and waiting to see whether Milner can perform at a high level in the upcoming season. How the midfielder plays at the beginning of this season could influence whether Klopp decides to retain the English playmaker’s services beyond the summer of 2020.
