In a move that has taken the football world by surprise, newly promoted Championship side Ipswich Town have completed the signing of seasoned campaigner Ashley Young. The 40-year-old veteran, whose illustrious career includes stints at some of Europe’s biggest clubs and trophies in both the Premier League and Serie A, will now don the blue of Ipswich Town for the 2025–26 campaign.
Young’s move comes after he opted not to renew his contract with Everton, where he made 36 appearances across all competitions during the 2024–25 season. His departure from Goodison Park was officially confirmed on June 30, ending a two-season stint with the Toffees. However, any thoughts of retirement were quickly put to bed as Ipswich moved swiftly to secure his signature.
A Legendary Career
Ashley Young’s career is the stuff of dreams for many young footballers. Starting at Watford, where his blistering pace and trickery caught the eye of top-flight clubs, Young made a name for himself before securing a move to Aston Villa in 2007. It was at Villa Park that he truly blossomed, becoming one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wingers, renowned for his delivery, set-piece prowess, and eye for goal.
In 2011, Manchester United came calling. Under the stewardship of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, Young became a key figure at Old Trafford, transitioning from a winger to a more defensive role over the years. During his time with United, Young won numerous trophies including the Premier League title in the 2012–13 season — Sir Alex’s final campaign in charge.
In 2020, he made a bold move abroad, signing with Italian giants Inter Milan. Despite his age, Young quickly adapted to Serie A, helping Inter lift the Scudetto under Antonio Conte in the 2020–21 season — a title that ended Juventus’ nine-year dominance in Italy.
Young’s return to English football with Aston Villa and later Everton reaffirmed his longevity and versatility. Capable of playing on either flank, both in attack and defense, Young offered his managers tactical flexibility, leadership, and invaluable experience. Now, that same experience will be brought to Portman Road.
Ipswich’s Statement of Intent
Ipswich Town’s capture of Ashley Young is more than just a signing — it’s a statement. After securing promotion from League One and consolidating their place in the Championship, the Tractor Boys are aiming higher. Under the intelligent and progressive management of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have played a brand of football that is both attractive and effective.
Bringing in a player of Young’s pedigree sends a clear message: Ipswich are not in the Championship to merely make up the numbers. They have ambitions to return to the Premier League — a division they last graced in the 2001–02 season.
Speaking to the club’s official website, McKenna couldn’t hide his excitement at adding Young to his squad:
“Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves,” said McKenna.
“He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career, and he is still playing at a very good level. His experience, leadership, and versatility will be invaluable to our squad this season.”
Indeed, Young’s presence in the dressing room will be a massive boost for Ipswich’s young core. Players like Omari Hutchinson, Leif Davis, and George Edmundson will no doubt benefit from having someone with over 700 professional appearances across domestic and international football to guide them through the rigors of a long Championship season.
A Veteran Still Delivering
While many players at 40 are enjoying retirement or a slower pace in leagues outside of Europe, Young continues to defy expectations. Last season at Everton, he made 36 appearances — an impressive feat that speaks volumes about his fitness, discipline, and footballing intelligence.
Deployed mainly as a full-back or wing-back by Sean Dyche, Young contributed defensively and offensively, often being the calm presence in high-pressure situations. While the Toffees fought to avoid the drop, Young was one of their more consistent performers — evidence that he still has plenty to offer.
Now, with the slightly less physically intense Championship ahead of him, Young’s adaptability could be even more effective. Whether used as a starting full-back, a winger, or as an experienced substitute to see out games, his football IQ and composure will be key assets.
The McKenna Project
Since taking over at Ipswich, Kieran McKenna has turned the club’s fortunes around. A former Manchester United assistant manager under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, McKenna brought with him a tactical sophistication and attention to detail that immediately paid dividends.
His style of play — focused on controlled possession, structured pressing, and fluid attacking — has seen Ipswich emerge as one of the most progressive clubs outside the Premier League. With a mix of young talent and experienced campaigners, McKenna’s side has the hallmarks of a team ready to challenge for promotion.
The addition of Young fits perfectly into this vision. Not only does he bring a winning mentality, but his footballing education under Ferguson, Mourinho, and Conte makes him a natural leader in McKenna’s ambitious squad.
Fans React
Unsurprisingly, Ipswich Town supporters have been buzzing since the announcement. Social media platforms were flooded with excitement, memes of Young in his old Watford and Manchester United kits resurfaced, and many lauded the club’s ambition in securing such a high-profile name.
One fan tweeted:
“Ashley Young to Ipswich? Wow. What a signing. Can’t wait to see him at Portman Road!”
Another added:
“He may be 40, but he’s still got it. Incredible experience and leadership. Brilliant move by the club.”
Even fans from his former clubs chimed in with support and admiration for a player who continues to defy age and expectations.
What’s Next?
With Young now in the squad, Ipswich are building a team that blends youthful exuberance with battle-hardened experience. Their summer transfer window strategy appears to be focused on quality over quantity, and more arrivals are expected before the season opener in early August.
Young’s signing also adds depth to the squad in key areas. His ability to play as a left-back, right-back, or winger on either side will give McKenna flexibility, especially during the gruelling 46-game Championship campaign.
For Ashley Young, this new chapter at Ipswich Town offers one more challenge — one more opportunity to defy expectations and add to his remarkable story. Whether it ends with promotion or simply the mentoring of a new generation, there is little doubt that his impact at Portman Road will be significant.
Final Thoughts
At 40 years old, Ashley Young remains an elite professional — a rare example of longevity and adaptability in modern football. Ipswich Town’s decision to sign him is a masterstroke that combines on-field needs with off-field leadership and experience.
For a club hungry for success and dreaming of a return to the Premier League, this move represents more than just a signing — it’s a bridge between where Ipswich are and where they believe they belong.
And if history has taught us anything about Ashley Young, it’s to never bet against him delivering.
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