Is James Milner Liverpool's best ever free transfer? Debate decided as stellar career ends
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James Milner has called time on his record-breaking career but where does he rank in terms of Liverpool's best free transfers?James Milner's retirement at the age of 40 might not be the biggest Liverpool-related news of the past few days, but the ultimate professional's decision to call time on his career has led to thoroughly deserved acclaim.The Yorkshireman was a Premier League player for 24 years, making a record 658 appearances in the division, with some 230 of them coming for Liverpool, for whom he played 332 games in all competitions across eight seasons.Indeed, the impressive numbers just keep coming when you discuss Milner, but in terms of his Liverpool career perhaps the best one will always be zero.The Reds moved for Milner on a free transfer in the summer of 2015 when he left Manchester City, and after lifting seven major honours including the Premier League and Champions League, it certainly proved to be a shrewd move.Is he the best free transfer signing in Reds history though? We asked our team what they think.Ian DoyleWhen James Milner was snapped up by Liverpool during the summer of 2015, there was a bit of a sense of the Reds taking on a Manchester City cast-off in the same summer the Citizens took Raheem Sterling.How wrong we all were, Milner among the many players to benefit from Jurgen Klopp taking over from Brendan Rodgers.
In fact, his sensibilities very much matched those of the German despite their contrasting personalities.Milner may not have been a regular but he was most certainly the man for the big occasion, featuring in all bar two of Liverpool's major finals during the Klopp era and, of course, so important in the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona.It's believed Milner is now keen to take a well-earned break before embarking on a coaching career, although he will consider any offers in the meantime.Might one of them come from Liverpool? Given how Milner has long been regarded as a man to set and maintain standards in a squad, it wouldn't be the worst idea.Big shouts to Joel Matip and Gary McAllister, but Milner is the best free transfer in Liverpool's history - and it will take someone special to now beat him.Mark JonesIt wasn't the lowest point of Liverpool's season, but the sight of Reds players being kicked off the park by a 40-year-old James Milner when they lost at Brighton in March was yet another example of just how things had gone badly wrong.That Milner, at his advanced age, could still get around the pitch to boot lumps out of his more celebrated opponents summed up the Reds' problems under Arne Slot, but they also highlighted the absolute dedication of a man who has become a byword for professionalism.When he arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2015 Milner had designs on playing in central midfield for a Brendan Rodgers Liverpool that were now without Steven Gerrard.
Not just because of his determination and desire, but because he was a very good footballer.With so much currently made of the character and mindset of Liverpool's players, Milner's role in establishing the culture under Klopp can never be underestimated. He was a difference maker, a standard bearer, and someone who everyone looked up to.With apologies to Gary McAllister and Joel Matip he isn't just Liverpool's best free transfer of all-time, but one of their best transfers full stop.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!