Everton have confirmed the signing of Ashley Young on a one-year contract.
The 38-year-old was a free agent after being allowed to leave Aston Villa at the end of his contract earlier this summer, and he has now put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Goodison Park.
Young, whose contract runs until the end of June 2024, becomes Everton's first signing of the summer transfer window.
"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 former England international told the club's official website.
"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.
Welcome, @youngy18! ✍️💙 pic.twitter.com/7oUj3KEc6S
— Everton (@Everton) July 13, 2023
"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.
"I think there are a lot of qualities I can bring to the team and that's why the Club went out of their way to sign me. I just want to get down to work and show the qualities I've got. Wherever the manager needs me, I know I can go and do a job at a high level.
"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.
"I hope to use my experience in the squad, too. For me, I've been there and done it and if I can lend a voice to a younger player, that's fantastic.
"When you go on that pitch, there is one captain but there are 11 leaders. Everyone is on the pitch to do a job and everyone has got a voice. It's about helping each other out, having a good team spirit and winning games."
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Manager Sean Dyche is keen to bolster his squad this summer after the club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day for a second season in a row last term.
The Everton boss is a former teammate of Young's from his playing days, captaining the new arrival at Watford during the early stages of Young's career.
"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," Dyche told the Everton website.
"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."
Young made 29 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last season, starting 23 times as Unai Emery's side overcame a slow start to finish seventh.
Former Manchester United man Young could make his competitive debut for Everton when they host Fulham on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season next month.
Barney Corkhill
