John Simpson, the veteran wicketkeeper, has agreed to join Sussex on a multi-year deal after being released by Middlesex.

Simpson, 35, made 448 appearances for Middlesex after making his debut for the club in 2009, also winning three one-day caps for England. Although his contract had been extended to the end of 2024, Middlesex agreed to let him move on after an approach from Sussex.

Sussex’s head coach, Paul Farbrace, spoke at the end of the 2023 campaign about the need to add experienced players to the squad at Hove, after they finished third in Division Two, and the arrival of Simpson will provide competition for the gloves with Oli Carter.

“I’m absolutely delighted John has chosen to join us at a vital time in our challenge to compete and be successful on the field,” Farbrace said.

“John will be a central point of our progression bringing huge experience, calmness, a high level of skill and leadership. We are all looking forward to John coming to Hove and being a big part of the exciting future.”

Although Simpson came through the Lancashire age groups, it was in London that he won a chance at county level. He leaves Middlesex having scored 13,195 runs across formats, to go with 866 dismissals – the third-highest total in the club’s history.

“I am excited to be joining Sussex at such an exciting time for the club and look forward to working with the coaches and talented players in the squad,” Simpson said. “After 16 happy seasons at Middlesex it was time for a fresh challenge and I can’t wait to get started at Hove.”

Middlesex, who were relegated to Division Two on the final day of the season, were last month placed in special measures by the ECB after an investigation into the club’s financial mismanagement.

Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, added: “It is always disappointing to lose players of John’s quality, however given our current circumstances, we were simply unable to match the long-term security that Sussex have been able to offer him over the coming few seasons. John will always be welcome back at Middlesex – the club will always be his home.

“John has been an outstanding servant to Middlesex Cricket over the years and has given so much to the club over the last decade and a half. He leaves us on good terms, leaves behind many friends, and will always be remembered as one of the finest wicketkeepers to have played for Middlesex.”