James Milner agrees to join Liverpool

James Milner has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and will join Brendan Rodgers’ side on a free transfer when his contract expires at Manchester City at the end of the month.

The 29-year-old has been a target of the Liverpool manager since last summer, when he refused City’s offer of a contract extension worth up to £165,000 a week. He has agreed in principle to move to Merseyside despite Manuel Pellegrini’s desire to keep him and interest from Arsenal.



Milner will officially become a Liverpool player on 1 July.

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed: “Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City’s James Milner, subject to a medical. The Reds have agreed personal terms with the England international, who will join the club on a free transfer on 1 July after his contract at the Etihad Stadium has expired.”

Milner’s contract at Anfield is believed to be less than he would have earned had he stayed with City, around £150,000 a week, but the lure of a more regular role with Liverpool – and in his preferred central midfield position – was a key factor in his decision. Remaining in the north-west where the England international is settled with his family was also an influence.

Credit: Andy Hunter/Guardian Sport