Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp confirms talks over new James Milner deal

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 12 February 2022

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirms that the club are in talks with 36-year-old James Milner over a possible contract extension.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that veteran James Milner is in line for a new deal at Anfield.

The 36-year-old has been seldom used by Klopp from the first whistle this season but has still tallied 23 appearances in all competitions, setting up three goals.

Milner is due to become a free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season, and there has been uncertainty over a possible contract renewal given his advancing years.

However, Klopp has now confirmed that he is keen to keep the former England international around until after his 37th birthday, which will be in January 2023.

"There are talks (with Milner), but usually we don't comment about that," Klopp told reporters at a press conference. "There is no reason for it, but I am in talks, the club is in talks with Milly, so we will see.

"There is no chance Milly will retire next year so he is desperate to play on. I understand it, to be honest, because life after career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, is much longer than your career.

"So you can surely extend your career as long as you can so if you can play football, it is better than other things. Milly will be fine after his career as well, but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely."

Milner has scored 26 goals and set up 44 more in 273 matches for Liverpool across all competitions but has only started seven Premier League games in 2021-22.