Done Deal: Ashley Young joins Everton on free transfer
Former Manchester United and Inter Milan star Ashley Young has completed his move to Everton on a free transfer, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.
The 38-year-old joins the Toffees on a one-year deal until 2024, following the expiration of his contract with Aston Villa.
Young, who has made 422 appearances in the Premier League, expressed his delight at the completion of the deal and credited his decision-making to Everton manager Sean Dyche, who was his teammate and captain during his early days with the Hornets.
“I’m delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club. I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me,” he told EvertonTV.
“The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.
“I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the Club around, was a key factor in my decision.
“The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now,” he added.
Young, a Premier League winner with the Red Devils in 2013, began his career at Watford, where he played about 20 games in his season in the top-flight.
Done Deal: Ashley Young joins Everton on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract with Aston Villa.
The 38-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Toffees. #AshleyYoung #EFC #Everton #transfers #FansConnect pic.twitter.com/l3MxTWqtRb
— Fans Connect Club (@fansconnectclub) July 13, 2023
He then secured a move to Villa, where he spent five seasons starring in the Premier League before securing a big move to Old Trafford to play under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. At United, along with the league title, he won the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, and the UEFA Europa League.
Young moved to Italy in January 2020 to sign with the Nerazzurri. At Inter, he played mostly as a wing-back and won the Serie A in 2021, becoming only the third Englishman to win the league title in Italy.
He returned to Villa in the summer of 2021 on a one-year deal, then re-signed again for another year in July 2022. He scored seven goals in 39 caps for the Three Lions of England, whom he represented at the Euro 2021 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
Young brings experience, versatility, and leadership to Goodison Park as the Merseyside club looks to have a better campaign in the upcoming season.
