Liverpool rejected Jurgen Klopp's transfer request before legend walked out

James Milner has confirmed that Jurgen Klopp wanted to keep him at Liverpool, but the club blocked the request; the Brighton midfielder could face the Reds on Saturday

Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool rejected Jurgen Klopp's appeal to keep James Milner at Anfield six months before the German announced his planned departure.

The former England international arrived on Merseyside in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers, but he went on to become one of Klopp's most dependable players during their eight-year spell together. Milner secured several major honors under Klopp, including the Premier League and Champions League.

While he remained an important member of the Liverpool squad in his latter years at the club, his first-team starts declined to just seven during his final campaign. However, Klopp held him in high regard and pushed to retain his trusted midfielder at the club beyond his contract expiry in the summer of 2023.

Despite his appeals, the request was rejected by the club's hierarchy, resulting in Milner joining Brighton on a free transfer at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

Milner confirmed that while Klopp was keen for him to prolong his time at Anfield, the club ultimately vetoed the request.

"It's all good because the manager wanted to keep me, which as a player is what you want," Milner previously said.

James Milner was one of Klopp's most dependable players(Image: Getty Images)

"Obviously, the club decided a different way. In my head, it felt like it could be a good time, so I'm content with how it's all come about. It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club.

"Because I hadn't heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going.

"I will continue to play football, so yes, I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It's an option."

Milner's emotional departure occurred just six months before Klopp would shockingly reveal his decision to leave Liverpool in January 2024, leaving fans gobsmacked.

The 58-year-old announced his plan to step down at the end of the season after nearly nine years in charge. The legendary German cited a lack of energy as the reason for his exit.

Two years post-Klopp's announcement, he's not managing a soccer team but is instead the head of soccer at Red Bull, while Milner continues to play Premier League soccer at the grand old age of 40.

On Wednesday, he equalled Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League appearance record (653) after being subbed on for Brighton during the team's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

He has the opportunity to add to his record-breaking appearances when the Seagulls take on his former club at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.