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Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers, Brighton And Hove Albion, James Milner, Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk
Ryan Smart
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers, Brighton And Hove Albion, James Milner, Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah could be set for a new role upon the impending departure of James Milner to Brighton, according to a new report.
Milner is one of Liverpool's longest-serving players, joining the club in 2015 on a free transfer from Manchester City.
The 37-year-old has, therefore, been a part of the squad since Jurgen Klopp took over as manager later that year, and has won seven trophies while at Anfield.
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Now in third place in the list of all-time Premier League appearances, Milner remains one of the fittest players in the Liverpool squad, once again topping the traditional pre-season 'bleep test' last summer.
His leadership and experience has proven to be vital for Klopp and his squad, even when Milner is not getting regular football.
That has been the case this season. The midfielder, who began his career as a wide player before shifting infield towards the end of his time at City, has not played more than 15 minutes in a match since starting the 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League in March.
He is reportedly close to penning a contract at Brighton, with his Liverpool deal expiring this summer.
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And upon his departure, Salah could take up a more senior role in the Reds' squad.
According to The Athletic's James Pearce, the Egyptian is being considered to replace Milner as vice-captain from the beginning of next season.
He claims that Salah will likely be added to the 'leadership group' established at Liverpool, with Milner exit providing a vacancy.
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If the forward is promoted to the role, he would captain Liverpool when Jordan Henderson is unavailable.
During Liverpool's 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, the Reds were captained by Virgil van Dijk, however, and Klopp may decide to keep some form of continuity by promoting the Dutchman to the role instead.
Speaking about Milner prior to the Brentford game, Klopp said (quotes via BBC Sport): "He knows how highly I value him. He is an incredible part of this team and I would love to work together with him even longer.
"I said a couple of times nothing positive that happened in the last seven and a half years would have happened without James Milner."