Sources: Adam Lallana convinces Liverpool star to join new club
Adam Lallana played a pivotal role in convincing James Milner to leave Liverpool for Brighton this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Lallana, 34, swapped Anfield for the Amex Stadium himself in 2020, and it is understood that he has been in regular contact with his former teammate over a move to the south coast.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (5 May) that Milner has verbally agreed to join Brighton in the summer.
The 37-year-old Liverpool star’s contract expires at the end of the current season, and he is set to call an end to his time in Merseyside to head to the Seagulls.
Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Milner after news emerged of his Brighton swap, hailing his “incredible” impact at the club.
“He is an incredible part of this team and I would love to work together with him even longer,” Klopp said.
The Reds boss was also a big admirer of Lallana during his time at Anfield, and the German coach piled praise on the midfielder ahead of a reunion with his former favourite.
“One of the best players I’ve ever worked with, an absolutely incredible person as well so I’m really looking forward to seeing him again,” Klopp said in 2021.
Milner and Lallana spent five years together at Liverpool, and the duo have remained good friends even after they parted as teammates.
It is understood that Milner reached out about making the move to Brighton, and Lallana spoke highly of the club and their long-term goals.
In other news, Four Liverpool first-team stars to now leave, wage bill transformed