Pundit expects Milner Liverpool renewal

James Milner could still be playing for Liverpool in 2024, Frank McAvennie has told Football Insider.

The lowdown: Klopp confirms talks

Milner, 36, joined Liverpool in 2015 on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City – his £140,000-per-week contract is due to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season

But manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed in February that ‘the club is in talks’ with the midfielder over a potential renewal.

He’s played 283 matches for the club, scoring 26 goals and providing 44 assists, and helped them win the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League.

Milner ranks fourth on the all-time PL appearance list (584), 69 short of leader Gareth Barry.

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The latest: McAvennie reacts

McAvennie hailed the attitude of the ‘remarkable’ veteran and believes Klopp will appreciate him both on and off the pitch. He thinks Milner could remain part of the squad until he’s 38.

“It’s great to see Milner playing, oh my god he’s older than me,” the 62-year-old joked to FI.

“He still has it as well. Long may it continue because you are so long retired.

“I don’t blame him for keeping going but to be his age and getting games for this Liverpool side is remarkable.

“He puts such a shift in every time he plays even if he isn’t starting every week.

“That’s the personality Klopp really likes. I imagine Milner is a big influence behind the scenes.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was still there in a couple of years. Maybe he has one more contract in him.”

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The verdict: Good decision?

McAvennie certainly has a point about Milner’s work-rate. Data from FBRef shows that the Englishman ranks in the 90th percentile or better among midfielders in the top five leagues when it comes to tackles, blocks and clearances.

However, while he was selected in the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal against Benfica in midweek, he hasn’t started a PL match since the 2-2 draw with Chelsea back on 2 January.

Klopp appears more inclined to bring him off the substitutes’ bench late on in a bid to close out matches.

So the question is not only whether Liverpool offer him a deal, it’s also whether Milner will accept limited involvement, when he could theoretically have the chance to play more regularly elsewhere.

In other news, Liverpool have another Primeira Liga target after Diaz.