Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah could be set for a new role upon the impending exit of James Milner to Brighton, according to reports.
Milner is one of the longest-serving players at Liverpool, joining the club in 2015 on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Manchester City.
The 37-year-old has been a part of the squad since Jurgen Klopp took over as head coach later that year, and has won seven trophies while at Anfield.
Now in third place in the list of all-time Premier League appearances, Milner is still one of the fittest players in the Reds’ squad, once again topping the traditional pre-season ‘bleep test’ last summer.
His leadership and experience has proven to be key for Klopp and his squad, even when Milner is not getting regular football at the club.
That has been the case this campaign, he has not played more than 15 minutes in a game since starting the 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in March.
And he is now reportedly close to penning a contract at Brighton, with his Liverpool contract expiring this summer. And that means Salah could take up a more senior role in the squad.
According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, the Egyptian star has been considered to replace Milner as vice-captain from the beginning of next campaign.
He claims that Salah is likely to be added to the ‘leadership group’ established at Liverpool, with Milner departure providing a vacancy.
If he is promoted to the role, he would captain Liverpool when Henderson is unavailable.
During Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, they 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 before 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.”
