James Milner and Danny Welbeck, two former England internationals, have extended their contracts with Brighton.
While forward Welbeck has inked a new two-year contract with Albion that runs through June 2026, midfielder Milner has extended his contract with the club until next summer.
James and Danny both deserve these extensions, so I’m thrilled for them both, Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi said on the team website.
“This is excellent news for us because their qualities as football players and people are very evident to all.”
A day after Brighton revealed midfielder Adam Lallana will be leaving the team at the end of the season, news of the contract extensions broke.
“Both of them have been vital to the team both on and off the field, and with Adam Lallana departing, their role becomes even more significant for the upcoming season,” De Zerbi said.
Welbeck, a former player for Manchester United and Arsenal, left Watford in 2020 and signed a free agency contract with Albion.
The 33-year-old, who has scored 25 goals in 123 outings for the Seagulls, said: “I’ve had an amazing time. Each season has been special and we’ve progressed every year.
“A couple more key acquisitions for the squad will help us push on next season and I am pretty sure we can achieve some more special moments.”
Milner, 38, who arrived from Liverpool last summer and has made 20 Albion appearances, said: “I am as driven as I’ve ever been and I’m excited for next season.
“I really enjoyed the first half of this season as the club played in Europe for the first time while the second half has personally been disappointing with a couple of injuries, but I will be ready for the start of next season.”
Milner is second on the all-time Premier League appearance list with 634 and is just 19 behind former Aston Villa and Manchester City team-mate Gareth Barry’s record of 653.
