‘James Milner retirement to become Brighton coach on table amid contract talks’
James Milner is in talks with Brighton about what the future holds for him beyond the summer.
The 39-year-old has had an injury-hit season with the Seagulls, featuring in just three league games this campaign.
Milner has been out for around nine months with a serious hamstring injury, which he picked up in Brighton’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The veteran midfielder made the switch from Liverpool to the south coast in the summer of 2023, after an eight-year spell on Merseyside.
The former England international is second on the all-time Premier League appearances list with 634, only 19 behind Gareth Barry in first.
Milner considers retirement
Since Milner joined Brighton two years ago, the former Liverpool and Manchester City man has only made 18 league appearances for the club, as a result of being plagued by injuries.
The Englishman is nearing the end of his contract on the south coast, with his current deal set to expire this summer.
The Athletic’s (13 May) Andy Naylor has reported that Brighton are in talks with Milner to extend his stay at the club, as they are keen to continue tapping into his wealth of experience and versatility.
However, Naylor added that it is yet to be decided whether that would be in a full-time playing role or a player-coach position, and there is even a possibility that Milner will retire completely and move into a full-time coaching post.
Milner brings crucial leadership
Football Insider Verdict
Brighton are already set to lose Kaoru Mitoma to Saudi this summer, but if Milner departs it will hurt for a very different reason.
The midfielder may not have the footballing ability that he once did, and is suffering badly with injury issues, but he brings so much experience and leadership to Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
When he was at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp would often opt to utilise Milner over more technically gifted players, just for his sheer presence in the team.
He has the ability to lift and improve his team-mates, and it would be beneficial for the Seagulls to keep him in and around the training ground.
| Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
| 8 | Brentford | 36 | 55 |
| 9 | Brighton | 36 | 55 |
| 10 | Bournemouth | 36 | 53 |
| 11 | Fulham | 36 | 51 |
Brighton could yet be playing in Europe next season, as they currently sit ninth in the Premier League and level on points with Brentford who occupy the final Conference League spot.
The south coast side host Liverpool, before travelling to North London to face Tottenham on the final day of the season.