Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of James Milner, with the midfielder moving to the south coast when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of June.
Milner has agreed a one-year deal with Brighton, with the option for a further year, giving the 37-year-old a 22nd season in the Premier League.
Welcome to #BHAFC, @JamesMilner! 👋 pic.twitter.com/dtziUeed53
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 14, 2023
“I was fortunate to have a few offers on the table, but Brighton really excited me,” Milner said on the club's official website.
“You look at the journey the club has been on in both the short term and long term, it’s really impressive.
“The football Brighton play is outstanding, with a great group of players and an exciting manager.
“I’ve had a couple of chats with Roberto. He’s an exciting manager, he’s really passionate, forward thinking and has a fantastic way of setting up his team. He’s someone who is confident in himself and loves his team.”
“I’m very glad to welcome James to Brighton. He’s an excellent addition for us and I’m sure he will help to bring us to an even higher level,” head coach Roberto De Zerbi added.
Milner is reunited with his former Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana, who said: “James has been in the Premier League for a long time, he defines the word professionalism and if we can use the strengths of players like him and others of that ilk and help the group overall it’s only going to help."
Since making his Premier League debut for Leeds United aged 16 in November 2002, Milner has gone on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, winning three Premier League titles.
Milner sits third in the Premier League’s all-time appearance list, having played 619 matches in the competition. He is closing in on Ryan Giggs's total of 632, and Gareth Barry's record of 652.
Brighton will discover who they will face first next season when the 2023/24 Premier League fixtures are released at 09:00 BST this Thursday. The season starts on the weekend of 12 August.
Milner's first match in Brighton colours could be in the Premier League's Summer Series tournament, with the Seagulls' first match scheduled for 22 July.
