Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United can each name the likes of Georginio Rutter and James Milner among their shared players.
James Milner’s return to Leeds United will be emotional, while Georginio Rutter’s is likely to be far more mixed in terms of the reception he receives
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Leeds United 54 5 2
Swindon Town 6 2 0
Newcastle United 136 11 20
Aston Villa 126 22 26
Manchester City 203 19 38
Liverpool 332 26 46
Brighton and Hove Albion 24 0 2
England 61 1 6
James Milner’s career record
Brighton playing Leeds will mark Milner and Rutter returning. It’s also possible that Milner could break the Premier League appearance record this season. He has had a fantastic career in English football’s top flight.
James Milner and Jermaine Pennant of Leeds United celebrate victory
Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images
James Milner and Georginio Rutter name Leeds’ Elland Road as their favourite
Milner finishing his career at Leeds seems unlikely now, given that he turns 40 this season after signing another one-year contract with Brighton.
Instead, Rutter and Milner have changed shirt numbers, with Rutter taking No.10 and Milner paying homage to his former teammate Diogo Jota as No.20.
It’s an incredible mark of respect, but the pair have since done similar for Leeds, too. On Twitter/X, before playing at Everton’s new stadium, Brighton asked the squad what their favourite stadium in the world is.
Milner gave numerous answers, but the first out of his mouth was “Elland Road”. He also mentioned Anfield and the Metropolitano, perhaps not wanting to upset fans of Liverpool or Leeds with one answer.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Rutter, meanwhile, said: “Elland Road. The play-offs against Norwich…”
In the process, Rutter is pulling a face to tell you exactly how he feels about how special that night was back in May 2024.
Leeds United v Valencia - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Georginio Rutter’s career stats for Leeds and Brighton
Rutter is someone who many believe is in for a big season after impressing in his first full Premier League campaign. He has the skill-set to thrive in the top flight.
Club Season Appearances Goals Assists
Stade Rennais 2020/21 5 1 0
Hoffenheim 2020/21 11 1 0
Hoffenheim 2021/22 36 8 5
Hoffenheim 2022/23 17 2 3
Leeds United 2022/23 13 0 1
Leeds United 2023/24 40 7 16
Leeds United 2024/25 2 0 1
Brighton 2024/25 32 8 4
Brighton 2025/26 1 0 1
Leeds haven’t got a player like the 23-year-old, even if Nmecha shares some overlap with Rutter. Leeds will want a playmaker who can turn a game in the blink of an eye.