Loading ...Aug 29 2008
James Milner Leaves Newcastle for Aston Villa
Newcastle United midfielder James Milner has joined Aston Villa. The former England U21 international has submitted a transfer request last week in what has become a highly publicized wantaway saga. Over the last two days, the transfer request become known after the club had asked the player and his representation to keep his August 20 request private. The Professional Footballer’s Association was brought in to help in what became a dispute after the news of his transfer request leaked.
Milner have been linked with moves all summer, with Liverpool, Everton, and Villa all said to have had interest. It has been reported that he wanted to leave Newcastle because a.) it’s Newcastle (geography), and b.) Newcastle was unwilling to renegotiate a four year deal the player signed before last season. Milner wanted to be paid commensurate with his improvement. Newcastle wanted him to honor his agreement.
Villa has reported paid a £10 million fee for the 22-year-old.
For Newcastle, Milner was one of their better players in their last two matches: at home to Bolton the Premiership; at Coventry City in the Carling Cup. Despite this, he may not be that difficult to replace. The team can move Charles N’Zogbia back to the midfield and Jose Enrique into the lineup. They could also keep N’Zogbia at the back if and when they go back to a three forward attack, though with almost all of their choice forwards injured, that will be a while. Sticking with a 4-4-2, Newcastle should still be able to cover for Milner’s loss by playing Geremi more. It’s into the future, when Milner stood to be a better player, that the Magpies are hurt.
For Aston Villa, I’m having a little trouble seeing this move. I like their midfield as is,a dn I’m having trouble seeing room for Milner in the starting XI. Villa will play 4-4-2. They have Ashley Young, Gareth Barry, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell in the middle. Putting Milner on the right could give the team some depth while also allowing them to deploy Reo-Coker at the back, but is that work eight figures? Maybe for a team with the money of a Manchester United or Chelsea, but I do not see how this improves Villa that much.
Of course, one injury to a midfielder will make this a brilliant move, and with Steve Sidwell still ailing, the move might already been an inspiration. In a certain light.
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