Ashley Young has become Everton's first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 38-year-old defender has agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees after leaving Aston Villa as a free agent.
Welcome, @youngy18! ✍️💙 pic.twitter.com/7oUj3KEc6S
— Everton (@Everton) July 13, 2023
"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," Young said on the club's official website.
“The manager (Sean Dyche) 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."
Young made his Premier League debut for Watford in 2006 and has played 422 times in the competition, scoring 49 goals and setting up a further 71.
Only two active Premier League players, James Milner (619) and Jordan Henderson (431), have made more appearances than Young.
He spent six-and-a-half seasons with Aston Villa, across two spells, and nine seasons with Manchester United. He won the Premier League title with Man Utd in 2012/13 and has three times won the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.
Young has also spent time in Italy with Internazionale Milano, winning the Serie A title in 2020/21.
His other honours include winning the UEFA Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, all with Man Utd. He has also been capped 39 times by England.
When will he make debut?
Everton fans could get their first glimpse of Young in pre-season against Stade Nyonnais on 14 July.
They kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign against Fulham on Saturday 12 August.
