Liverpool report: James Milner's next move 'all but done' to Premier League rivals

Liverpool star James Milner during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on August 06, 2022 in London, England.
(Image credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Liverpool star James Milner looks set to leave Anfield this summer, with his next move, "all but done".

The midfielder made the short hop from Manchester to Merseyside in 2015 when he joined at the end of his Manchester City contract. Since then, he's won just about everything at Liverpool, becoming one of the leaders of Jurgen Klopp's side. 

But Milner – who made his Premier League debut in 2002 – turns 38 next season. Though Klopp would love to keep the No.7 in the fold, in part for his leadership skills, there are plenty of areas of the side that need upgrading, with midfield one of the biggest areas that needs improvement. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks on during the Reds' 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in February 2023.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to keep Milner (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Sky Sports News, rivals for the top six, Brighton & Hove Albion, will sign Milner this summer on a free transfer, with the player himself "blown away" by Roberto De Zerbi.

"Milner has heard testimonies of how great De Zerbi is with the elder statesmen in the squad, viewing them more than just players but teachers, even to the coaching staff," the report reads. The Seagulls look set for European football next season, with The Athletic claiming that Watford's Joao Pedro will become their next signing.

Milner is actually taking his coaching badges at the moment at Liverpool. He could well retire after the end of next season, though hasn't set a date as yet. 

The midfielder will join Adam Lallana, who also moved from Liverpool to Brighton on a free transfer.

Adam Lallana playing for Brighton

Adam Lallana also moved from Merseyside to Sussex (Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool are believed to be looking for defensive cover as well as two new midfield additions this season.

Milner is valued at around €2 million by Transfermarkt.

More Liverpool stories

Liverpool's failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham has led to discussion over who is to blame, with This Is Anfield writing that the fault lies with both Jurgen Klopp and ownership FSG for FourFourTwo.

The Reds are looking at a number of possible alternatives, including Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern MunichInter Milan star Nicolo BarellaBrighton midfielder Moises Caidedo and Chelsea fringe midfielder Conor Gallagher. Ex-Red Jose Enrique has questioned whether the Merseysiders even needed Bellingham, anyway.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

Read more
Andrew Robertson of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool give huge indication that Andy Robertson could move on this summer: report
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
'Virgil van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid. He will have no problem continuing at the highest level for another three or four years, he's one of the best defenders in the history of football'
Liverpool boss Arne Slot could still win the Premier League in his first season in England
Liverpool could line up with an entirely new back FIVE next season, in unprecedented move following recent bombshell: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Cole Palmer of Chelsea looks on after a missed chance on goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
'Liverpool might be an option for Cole Palmer if Mohamed Salah were to leave - watch this space with that if Salah leaves' Premier League legend teases the transfer of the year
Arne Slot new first team manager of Liverpool Football Club at AXA Training Centre on June 19, 2024 in Kirkby, England.
Liverpool to close deal after 'quick negotiations': report
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has decided to leave: report
Latest in Stories
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Latest in News
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report