In a recent Q&A session with the Leeds United fans via the Athletic’s website, journalist Phil Hay has given his thoughts on the prospect of the Whites bringing James Milner back to the club. The 34-year-old started his career at Elland Road and one fan posed the question as to whether a deal for the Liverpool midfielder could happen.
Hay responded by saying: “He would be a terrific signing, perfect for Leeds’ first season back. And Bielsa would love everything about him.”
He added: “I don’t know what Milner makes of this or what the chances are but he’s one of the few players I could see leaving a club like Liverpool for a move like this. People talk about Erling Haaland but realistically, from now on Haaland is going to want to play at Champions League level. He’s too good not to.”
Would you like to see Leeds United re-sign James Milner?
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TIF Tactics – Could Milner’s career be about to go full circle?
Milner still holds the record for being the club’s youngest ever goalscorer when it comes down to Premier League action; he was just 16 years and 356 days old when he netted versus Sunderland on Boxing Day in 2002 (via TalkSPORT). In July 2004, after Leeds United’s relegation from the top-flight, he signed for Newcastle United in a deal worth £6.66m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk) and went on to play 134 times for the Magpies.
After a spell initially on loan and then a permanent move to Aston Villa, the midfielder was snapped up by Manchester City who paid just shy of £20m in order to acquire his services. During his time at the Etihad, he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup. When his contract expired in the summer of 2015, he made the 32 mile trip from Manchester to Anfield and has gone on to lift the much-coveted UEFA Champions League trophy in the famous red of Liverpool.
Milner is an experienced campaigner who has played over 500 games in the English top-flight (via Transfermarkt.co.uk), therefore if he were to become available and Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League, we believe he would offer some invaluable experience to a newly promoted side.