Watford are exploring a move for Ashley Young to return to the club, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
Watford are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in the Championship. Tom Cleverley led the Hornets to mid-table last season in difficult circumstances, but has been replaced by Paulo Pezzolano.
The Uruguayan has been tasked by the club’s ownership to repeat his success with Real Valladolid where he led them to promotion to La Liga.
Watford boss Paulo Pezzolano
Image courtesy of: VIOLETA SANTOS MOURA/REUTERS.
It’s been a busy summer for Watford so far, moving fast to secure the services of the likes of Hector Kyprianou and Vivaldo Semedo, amongst others.
Their latest target is someone who will be a familiar face to Watford supporters. Almost 20 years since he left the club for Aston Villa in January 2007, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook says Ashley Young is being eyed for a return to Vicarage Road.
Young made his senior debut for the club in 2003 when Ray Lewington was manager and is reportedy keen to return to the club where his career started.
Despite turning 40 last week, there are believed to be no concerns regarding his age and fitness, and the final decision will lie in the hands of Watford’s new head coach Pezzolano.
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Young showing no signs of slowing down despite age
Although he’s played senior football for more than 20 years, Young has still been able to showcase his reliability for the last few seasons in the top flight.
He made 32 appearances for Everton last time around, 19 of them being starts. The rumoured Watford target scored one goal and provided a further three assists, mainly playing as a full-back or wing-back.
watford, Watford exploring move to reunite with 40-year-old free agent
Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS.
There will, naturally, be concerns over his age – but his ability to keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League should translate well into the Championship.
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The experience of someone with hundreds of senior appearances would be hugely beneficial. When you take into consideration Watford’s younger squad, the signing continues to make more sense.
Versatility an added bonus for Watford
Another factor to take into account is Young’s ability to play various positions.
Having spent the majority of his career as a tricky winger, Young has transitioned to a full-back role over recent years. He’s able to play on either side and would be a valuable option off the bench to see out games.
Watford fans will love the sentiment value out of the move, but even when you ignore that, it still seems like a signing that Pezzolano should consider bringing into action.
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