He might have become one of Liverpool’s most important players in recent years, but it’s hard to see how James Milner’s future lies on Merseyside beyond this season.

The 33-year-old midfielder was run ragged against Barcelona in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final as the La Liga giants cruised to a 3-0 win in what was a flawless performance from the Spanish champions.

It was one of Milner’s worst performances in a Liverpool shirt, as his age was clearly on show in a game where the Reds could have come away with at least one away goal, but it wasn’t to be, and Jurgen Klopp must be thinking that the versatile veteran has played his final big game for the club.

There’s no question that Milner has been one of the best signings in recent years for Liverpool, having excelled with the Reds since joining on a free from Manchester City in 2015, but now heading into the final years of his career and to the end of his current deal, Klopp would be wise to allow the midfielder to leave the club this summer.

Milner’s performances have been faltering this season, with the former England international not at his brilliant best as he was for the past two years for Liverpool, and with the Reds midfield becoming more and more stacked it will be harder for the 33-year-old to find games in the team.

A return to Leeds United has been mooted in the past, after all.

The Liverpool number seven has been an exceptional servant for the club, but his poor performance against Barcelona showed that he is a player who is better off looking for a new team in the summer as the Reds look to move on without him.

Liverpool fans, should Milner be released at the end of this season? Let us know!