Ex-Liverpool midfielder James Milner has signed a new one-year contract extension at Brighton & Hove Albion, meaning he could play into his 40s in the Premier League.
Milner’s contract at the Amex had been set to expire this summer, on the back of an injury-ravaged campaign that saw him play just once after August. Despite that, Brighton has opted to extend the 39-year-old’s contract by a further 12 months, meaning he could break a Premier League record next season.
Only Gareth Barry - Milner’s ex- Aston Villa teammate - has played more games in the Premier League, with the Brighton man just 15 short of Barry’s 653 appearances for Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion in the top flight.
“Delighted to extend my time at the club and looking forward to getting back into pre season to work with the manager and this talented group of players,” Milner wrote on X, as the news was confirmed.
The Yorkshireman joined Brighton in 2023 after eight years at Anfield. He has also represented Leeds United, Newcastle United, Villa and City during his distinguished career.
“I’m really pleased we will have James with us again this season,” Brighton boss Fabian Hurzle r told the club’s website.
James Milner raises a Champions League trophy
James Milner played eight seasons for Liverpool (Image: Getty)
“Last season he wasn’t able to help the team on the pitch as much as he would have liked, but around the squad his experience is invaluable, especially for the younger players.
"He’s a great guy to have in our environment, who is always there for me and the team. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
During his time at Anfield, Milner played 332 times, more than at any other club in his career. He was part of the side that won the Premier League title in 2020, with the versatile midfielder one of the few players to win the league with two clubs, having previously achieved the feat at City.
While at Anfield, he also won the Champions League in 2019 and collected winners’ medals in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
James Milner
Milner picked up a serious thigh injury in August.
He earned 61 England caps on the international stage, the last of which came in 2016.
A thigh injury prevented Milner from making a significant impact last season under Hurzler, who is seven years his junior.
After starting the first three matches of the campaign, Milner didn’t feature again until the final weekend win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Should he play into his 40s, Milner would become just the fifth outfield player to do so in the Premier League. Remarkably, he also holds the record for the second-youngest goalscorer in the division’s history at just 16 years and 356 days.