Ashley Young Joins Everton on One-Year Deal
Everton have signed free agent Ashley Young on a one-year deal after the full-back left Aston Villa this summer. Young, 38, becomes Everton’s first signing under manager Sean Dyche and has joined the club on their pre-season training camp in Switzerland. BBC Sport understands Young had held talks with Luton, while there was also interest from Saudi Arabia.
Young: “I am Delighted to be an Everton Player”
“I am delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club,” former England player Young said. “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.”
Dyche: “Ashley is a Top-Class Professional”
Former Burnley boss Dyche took over in January, replacing the sacked Frank Lampard, and guided the club to Premier League survival on the final day of the season. Dyche said: “Ashley is a top-class professional whose record of team and personal achievements during a successful career make him an excellent addition to our squad. I’ve known Ashley for many years, having been his captain when he first broke through at Watford, and his qualities both on and off the pitch will prove valuable.”
Young’s Accomplishments
Winger-turned-defender Young won the Europa League and League Cup with Manchester United and earned 39 England caps, playing in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia. Young has played over 700 career games for club and country, including 32 appearances for Villa last season, and will provide experience to an Everton side that narrowly escaped relegation the past two seasons.
Young: “The Manager Was Important in Me Signing”
Young added: “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.”
Young: “Age is Just a Number for Me”
“I’ve always said age is just a number for me. I feel as fit as I ever have done – even than when I was younger. Whenever the manager calls upon me, I’m going to be fit and ready to go.”
Everton’s Pre-Season Training Camp in Switzerland
On Monday, the Toffees travelled to Switzerland for a five-day training camp in the Alps where they will face second-division side Stade Nyonnais on Friday. The signing of Ashley Young is sure to give Everton fans a boost ahead of the new season and will add valuable experience to a team that has been struggling in recent years. With Dyche at the helm and Young on board, Everton are looking to turn their fortunes around and make a return to the top half of the table.