The signing of James Milner is not one that will get many Albion fans off their feet. However, he could be the perfect signing for Roberto De Zerbi.

The 37-year-old will join the Seagulls on a initial one-year deal, with a an option of a further year, following the expiry of his contract at Liverpool on 30 June, after eight years on Merseyside.

But the signing of the former England international could turn out to be another masterstroke by the recruitment team.

Milner will provide a wealth of experience having played in the Premier League for the last 15 seasons. In that time he has amassed 619 appearances in the Premier League for five clubs (Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leeds), scoring 55 goals and picking up 87 assists. That sees him sit third on all-time record for most appearances in the Premier League and just 33 appearances behind former Albion midfielder Gareth Barry (652) who sits top of the list.

The midfielder has been highly successful in his career having won three Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and a Champions League just to name a few.

As well as a wealth of experience in Premier League he will add plenty of European experience having made 131 appearances in European competitions, scoring nine goals and picking up 26 assists.

Milner will also provide a key attribute that De Zerbi loves which is versatility. When he was younger Milner played on the wing but now he tends to play in midfield but can also play either left or right back. However, Milner is one of those players like Pascal Gross who does a great job in any position you put him in.

Many fans may question how many games Milner can play at 37.

But last season he made 43 appearances in all competitions, including playing in 31 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games. In his last 13 seasons in the Premier League, Milner has made at least 20 appearances. That is testament to his professionalism and how well he has looked after himself, especially in the latter part of his career.

With Alexis Mac Allister having left this summer to join Liverpool there will be a vacant spot in the middle of the park alongside Caicedo in the number six or eight role which Milner will be competing for with the likes of Billy Gilmour, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Pascal Gross and the incoming Mahmoud Dahoud just to name a few.

But with Albion having Europa League football on top of two cup competitions and the Premier League they will need plenty of squad depth to deal with the relentless schedule of three games a week.

Milner is a player who I believe will fit in well at the Seagulls and will hopefully play a key role in what will be a historic season for the club as they get their first taste of European football.