Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson react as Brighton issue James Milner update
Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson have both reacted after Brighton issued an update on the future of their former Liverpool teammate James Milner.
The veteran midfielder joined the Seagulls back in 2023, signing a one-year with the option of a further year, following the expiration of his contract with the Reds after eight years at Anfield.
That option to keep him for the 2024/25 season was triggered by the club but his latest season with Fabian Hurzeler‘s side was cut short when he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of August.
The 39-year-old only returned from that setback as a late substitute on the final day of the season in the win over Tottenham.
With his initial deal with Brighton having been due to expire at the end of this month, confirmation has now been issued on what is to come next for Milner at the AMEX.
James Milner signs new contract
It has been a busy start to the summer at The AMEX, with Tariq Lamptey among those to have already signed a new contract of his own with the club.
Meanwhile, Brighton have also completed the signing of striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Greek side Olympiacos on a long-term contract.
On Friday (13 June), the club also confirmed that Milner has signed a new one-year deal at The AMEX, keeping him as part of Hurzeler’s team for the coming campaign.
The former England international needs 16 more appearances in the Premier League to surpass Gareth Barry as the league’s record appearance holder, and he will turn 40 in January.
As Brighton took to Instagram to announce that new deal for Milner, his former Liverpool teammates Robertson and Henderson both showed their support by liking that post.
Henderson also commented on the announcement with a raised hands emoji to pay tribute to the veteran.
Brighton make the right move with new deal
Football Insider Verdict
There has been some suggestions that Milner could retire from playing to take on a coaching role with Brighton amid those talks over a new deal.
Had that been the case, it would have been a shame to see a player who has achieved so much and won so many admirers for his commitment go out under the cloud of an injury-hit season.
As a result, the news of this contract extension will be a welcome one, since it gives him the chance to go out on a high, and potentially break that record set by Barry in the process.
Beyond that, the experience and leadership Milner offers also mean this looks to be a smart move from a footballing perspective for Brighton as well.