Recently, James Milner faced his former club Aston Villa. Milner left Villa for City in 2010 after a strong 2009-2010 season. Gareth Barry’s departure the year before allowed Milner to adopt a more central role in the Villa squad, which lead to Milner winning PFA Young Player of the Year in 2010. The following season Milner followed in Barry’s footsteps and joined City.
Milner’s City career has been more than satisfactory; expensive players have come and gone during Milner’s time with City yet he has managed to stay in the first team picture. This season in particular Milner has raised his game, stepping up in games when certain players have not. Don’t forget that he single-handedly kept us in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday.
But with rumours that Milner is eyeing up a move away from the club, is it the right time for him to depart? Everton’s Ross Barkley has been linked with a move to City multiple times and he could be the man to replace Milner. Milner has never sealed a first team place, but with the amount of money City would have to spend on the Everton youngster, Barkley would have to start more regularly than Milner. Barkley is perfect to relieve the pressure put on City for fielding one of the oldest squads in the league. Like Milner, Barkley has played in different positions this season, showing he is also a versatile player. After a disappointing season at Everton, Barkley might feel like it is time for him to leave the club. Everton would benefit from the profit that would be made on the Barkley transfer, and The Toffees are in need of a squad mix up. City are crying out for that type of player and with the possibility of Milner leaving, we will need someone to fill that void.
Moving onto the chances of Barkley joining City, he may be deterred from moving to City after a young Jack Rodwell left Everton for the Etihad after a season where he showed great promise, although he and other English players have struggled to flourish at City and this has led to a lack of English blood in the squad. But with a serious squad reshape required this summer, this could be a perfect opportunity for Barkley to join the Blues and solidify a first team place in the squad. It is likely Milner will leave after his contract expires, seeing as he has been offered an improved contract and nothing has been agreed. Like many before him, he is probably leaving in search of regular Champions League football. Let’s hope that if a replacement for Milner is needed, they will show the same hard working qualities he has shown in his time at City.
