Ashley Young sends Aston Villa message as he prepares to join new club
Ashley Young remains on the hunt for a new club this summer after his recent spells with Aston Villa and Everton.
The former England wing-back turned 40 on 9 July and was one of six senior out-of-contract players released by Everton at the end of last season, after two years of fairly regular football at Goodison Park.
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Young isn’t likely to receive any offers from Premier League clubs as he navigates the free agent market this summer, but the veteran is keen to continue his career.
That career of 23 years and counting has taken Young to Watford, Aston Villa, Man United, Inter and Everton, and a return to his first club could be on the cards with a top-end Championship move likely.
Young reflects on Aston Villa spell in new message – ‘what an era’
Young returned to Aston Villa in 2021 after a successful 18-month spell with Inter Milan, and two years in claret and blue followed up his previous five seasons at Villa Park before his 2011 move to Man United.
The versatile veteran’s next career move remains to be seen after David Moyes didn’t see him as part of Everton’s future plans, and Young could be a top target for second-tier clubs with promotion ambitions.
Aston Villa are the only club where Young spent two different spells, and he reflected on his first period at Villa Park by sharing a post from the Premier League on his Instagram story (14 July).
The Premier League’s post looked back to the ‘snood era’ and included an image of Young sporting one for Villa back in 2010–11, and Young shared this on his own story with the message of; “WHAT AN ERA”.
Everton eye Young replacement after numerous exits confirmed
Young’s career lifeline at the age of the 38 came at the behest of Sean Dyche in 2023, and the then-Everton manager was key to the full-back agreeing a contract extension at Goodison Park last summer.
Moyes’ outlook was different 12 months on though as Everton prepare to move into their new home on Liverpool’s waterfront, and is on the hunt for a new right-back in the form of Flamengo’s Wesley Franca.
The Premier League may have farewelled Young after close to 20 years at the very highest level, but he’ll still strive to get back there next season if he can seal a move to one of the Championship’s big-hitters.