Brighton complete signing of James Milner from Liverpool

Brighton have (finally) announced the signing of former England international James Milner on a free transfer from Liverpool.

Milner has put pen to paper on a one-year contract at the Amex with the option for a further year. At 37, he becomes one of the oldest new signings in Albion history.

Not that his age should put you off. Despite being ancient in footballing terms, Milner played 43 times for the Redmen in the 2022-23 season.

He made 39 times appearances in all competitions the previous season, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and finish runners up in the Premier League and Champions League.

Milner was renowned for being one of the fittest players at Anfield. Every pre-season, Jurgen Klopp puts his Reds through famously difficult lactate tests, which measure aerobic endurance.

And every pre-season, Milner has won. Joe Gomez in 2019 is the only Liverpool player to come close to beating Milner, but even he proved no match for the veteran.

“Considering his age and how long he’s played for, to still be the fittest player in arguably the fittest team in the world, and by some margin, that takes some doing,” said Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson last summer.

Milner comes with a proven track record for being available for over 30 games per season. In a Brighton squad about to experience the demands of additional Europa League commitments, that will be invaluable.

So too Milner’s versatility. He can play left, right, as a central midfielder and in both full back positions. With one signing, Brighton have landed backup to Joel Veltman, Pervis Estupinan and whoever forms Roberto De Zerbi’s first choice midfield partnership next season.

Then there is what Milner brings off the pitch. His experience and professionalism can only have a positive impact on one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, similar to the roles fulfilled by other ex-England internationals Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck since their arrival at the Amex in 2020.

As a Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup winner, there is not much Milner has not done in football since coming through the ranks at 1996 Coca Cola Cup runners up The Leeds United.

It was whilst a Peacock that Brighton fans first came across Milner. He joined Swindon Town on loan in the 2003-04 season, making his debut for the Robins in a 2-2 draw against Brighton at Withdean.

Of the current Albion first team squad, Evan Ferguson, Julio Enciso, Facundo Buonanotte and Yasin Ayari were all yet to be born. Gary Hart and Darius Henderson scored the goals for Steve Coppell’s Brighton with Swindon replying through a Sam Parkin brace.

Milner played 54 times for Leeds before joining Newcastle United in a deal worth £3.6 million in the summer of 2004 following the shock relegation of the world’s biggest football into the Championship.

He then signed for Aston Villa for £12 million in 2008 having previously enjoyed a successful 2005-06 season on loan at Villa Park, followed by a £26 million move to Manchester City in 2011.

Whilst at the Etihad Stadium, Milner won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. He repeated that haul of every domestic trophy in his eight years at Liverpool, playing 332 games and scoring 26 times.

Milner joins Brighton sitting behind only former Albion youngster Gareth Barry and Ryan Giggs on the all-time list of Premier League appearances.

He needs to play 34 more matches to overtake Barry, meaning Albion fans could witness Milner make history in blue and white.