Milner gets Brighton extension for 24th season with a Premier League record in sight

BRIGHTON, England (AP) - James Milner will get another chance to become the player with the most appearances in the Premier League era.

The 39-year-old midfielder, who is 15 appearances short of Gareth Barry’s record (653), has signed a one-year contract extension with Brighton.

Milner sustained a serious knee injury that limited him to just four league games last season. He made his 638th appearance on the last day of the season, coming off the bench in a 4-1 victory over Tottenham.

"Last season he wasn’t able to help the team on the pitch as much as he would have liked, but around the squad his experience is invaluable, especially for the younger players," Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said in the team’s announcement Friday.

"He’s a great guy to have in our environment, who is always there for me and the team," said Hurzeler, who is seven years younger than Milner. "I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Milner, who will turn 40 in January, made his debut at age 16 for Leeds in November 2002.

He’s entering his record-extending 24th season overall and third at Brighton - he made 15 league appearances in the 2023-24 season - after eight years at Liverpool. Milner has also played for Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Milner made 61 international appearances for England from 2009-16.