Veteran Liverpool midfielder James Milner has reportedly agreed to join Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion this summer when his contract at Anfield expires.
The veteran midfielder has been at Liverpool since 2015, when he joined from Manchester City on a free transfer. He has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp on and off the pitch, with his leadership and work rate often hailed by the German boss.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss wanted to keep Milner beyond this season, but the 337-year-old wanted a fresh challenge.
He received interest from soon-to-be Premier League side Burnley. Still, he chose Brighton as he has been impressed by Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical innovation, which has seen Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola praise the Seagull’s football.
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The former Leeds United midfielder sees the switch to the Amex as an opportunity to further challenge himself by adjusting to new demands and helping Brighton’s highly-rated conveyor belt of talent to apply themselves most professionally.
Milner’s mate Adam Lallana is currently playing a similar role at the club and has told the 37-year-old how great De Zerbi is with the elder statesmen in the squad, viewing them as more than just players but teachers.
Milner will mark 22 seasons in the Premier League in the new campaign. He represents an extension of the club’s policy to balance exceptional young talent with a core group of experienced leaders that set standards on and off the pitch.
While nothing has been finalised yet between both parties, according to a report by Sky Sports, Milner and the club have aligned over the move.
Milner will depart Liverpool as a club legend, having won a league title, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, World Club Cup and Super Cup.
