SUPER Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has a new teammate as Ashley Young has signed for Everton on a free transfer from Aston Villa.
The veteran winger/full-back is Everton’s first arrival since Sean Dyche took charge in the middle of last season.
“Ashley Young has become Everton’s first signing of the summer on a free transfer, agreeing a one-year deal until the end of June 2024,” the club announced on their official website today.
“The former England international, who has 39 caps for the Three Lions, adds valuable experience and versatility to Sean Dyche’s squad and arrives boasting a trophy-laden career which has included winning the Premier League, Serie A, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.
“With the ability to play on either wing in the first part of his career at Watford and Aston Villa, Young developed into a wing-back and full-back during nine years at Manchester United – where he was appointed club captain in 2019 – before moving on to Inter Milan and becoming only the third Englishman to win Italy’s top-flight title.”
Young has made a combined 422 Premier League appearances during his time at Watford, Villa and United, and ranks 15th in the competition’s all-time assists with 71.
After moving to Everton to work with Dyche, who captained Young when the new signing was a teenager at Watford, the 38-year-old told evertontv: “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.
“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.”
Everton manager Dyche said he was delighted to be reunited with Young.
“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,” the former Burnley manager said.
“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.
“His impressive statistics from last season, which were among some of the best in Europe, highlight what he can bring to Everton.”
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