Liverpool’s James Milner ‘AGREE to a 12-month deal to come to Brighton for free this summer’ – despite Jurgen Klopp keen to keep the veteran as he plots a summer midfield rebuild
- James Milner will transfer from Liverpool to Brighton this summer
- The 37-year-old defender played the last eight years of his career at Anfield
- He made 328 appearances for the club, winning seven trophies in the process
Brighton are about to sign James Milner on a one-year contract, ending the midfielder’s eight-year spell at Anfield.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter on Friday to break the news, writing: “Brighton is going to sign James Milner, here we go – final proposal and all clauses accepted. The deal is valid until June 2024.”
Milner has had a prolific eight-year spell at Anfield, making 326 appearances and winning a Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup with the club.
The Seagulls make a bid to qualify for the Europa League ahead of the next campaign and are eager to bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s squad with reinforcements.
It is clear that Brighton wanted Milner for the experience and know-how he would bring to the team, especially if they qualify for Europe.
James Milner has reportedly agreed a 12-month contract to join Brighton for free this summer
Mail Sport understand Jurgen Klopp was keen to keep the 37-year-old as he rebuilds his midfield.
The veteran has played in 27 Premier League games this season, only six of them.
His minutes have dwindled as the season has progressed and his last top start was over two months ago at Crystal Palace.
Jurgen Klopp wants to keep the midfielder at Anfield despite his expiring contract
Speaking in January, Klopp said he intends to continue working with Milner after the summer.
“We have other plans with Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing,” Klopp said. “When you see him play last night, I think everyone understands that. You can’t judge him normally for his age. He’s 37, doesn’t look like he’s working out one day.
“He’s an incredibly important player and in this game (Wolves) you saw on the pitch as well. It’s not like Milly expects to play 64 games per season, but in 64 games per season Milly could be hugely important. That’s how it is. Milly has reached 600 games and most of them for Liverpool.
“There may be more great players out there, but none with a similar mentality and that makes him incredibly valuable to us. And it’s not because I’m too loyal. It’s just a fact.’