James Milner Commits to Brighton Until June 2026
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that veteran midfielder James Milner has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club through the 2025–26 season .
At 39, Milner will mark his 40th birthday on January 4, 2026—and with this new deal, he is poised to play beyond that milestone. Should he feature regularly next season, Milner could further cement his place as one of the few outfield players to appear in the Premier League at 40, joining the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Ryan Giggs, Kevin Phillips, and Gordon Strachan .
Milner’s enduring presence in England’s top flight is underscored by his current tally of 638 Premier League appearances—just 15 shy of Gareth Barry’s all-time record of 653 . Considering he plans to reach the full extent of next season, a new appearance milestone is within reach.
Last season was a testament to both resilience and recovery. Milner was sidelined for most of the campaign following a knee operation that unexpectedly resulted in nerve damage, leaving him unable to lift his foot at one point . After months of rehabilitation, he made a poignant return as a substitute during Brighton’s 4–1 finale-day win over Tottenham—a clear tribute from manager Fabian Hürzeler for Milner’s leadership off the pitch .
Hürzeler commented, “I’m really pleased we will have James with us again this season. His presence—on and off the pitch—is invaluable, especially for our younger players. He is always there for me and for the team,” .
Milner’s storied career—spanning 24 Premier League seasons and including spells at Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton—speaks to his remarkable professionalism and versatility. As he heads into another campaign at the age of 40, the midfielder’s ambition remains undimmed: to stay fit, contribute on the field, and guide the next generation of Seagulls seniors .
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