Which Brighton veteran retired during the 2026 summer window?

James Milner was the Brighton veteran who retired during the 2026 summer window.

Milner announced his retirement on 1 June 2026, aged 40, after completing his third season with Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton later confirmed his departure alongside Solly March and Adam Webster. His decision ended a senior career spanning more than two decades in English football.

The midfielder became a Premier League record-holder during his final season. In February 2026, he overtook Gareth Barry for the competition’s all-time appearance record when he started Brighton’s match against Brentford. Milner’s career also included spells with Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

A common mix-up is confusing retirement with leaving Brighton: the club’s release announcement and his retirement announcement arrived in the same summer, but he did not simply transfer to another team. He also retired as a player, rather than merely ending his Brighton contract.