James Milner Signs Brighton Extension to Play Beyond 40
Milner, 39, Extends Brighton Deal by Another Season
James Milner has signed a one-year contract extension with Brighton & Hove Albion, a deal that will see the veteran midfielder play past his 40th birthday.
Milner, who joined Brighton in the summer of 2023 after leaving Liverpool, made just four Premier League appearances in the 2024–25 season. Despite limited playing time, the club values his experience and leadership, extending his deal through the 2025–26 campaign.
The former England international will celebrate his 40th birthday on 4 January 2026, and would need to feature late into the 2025–26 season if he hopes to break the record as the Premier League’s oldest outfield player.
That record is currently held by Teddy Sheringham, who played for West Ham until he was 40 years and 272 days old.
An Enduring Premier League Career
Milner’s remarkable top-flight career began at Leeds United in 2002, where he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time. Over the years, he has gone on to represent:
At Liverpool, he won multiple trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
Internationally, Milner earned 61 England caps, playing in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and represented his country in two European Championships.
Leadership and Legacy
While his playing time has decreased, Milner’s influence at Brighton has remained significant behind the scenes. He’s viewed as a mentor figure within a youthful squad and a valuable resource for manager Fabian Hürzeler, who succeeded Roberto De Zerbi earlier this summer.
Brighton finished eighth in the 2024–25 Premier League season, narrowly missing out on European qualification.
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