Ashley Young
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Wed 16 July 2025 12:50, UK
Everton said goodbye to a host of long-serving players this summer as they undergo a transformation under David Moyes.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure were among the more eye-catching Toffees players on the list and are still without a club.
Elsewhere, Ashley Young also left Goodison Park after a two-year stint with the Merseyside outfit.
With Young seeking pastures new, he has been linked with a sensational move to one of his former employers.
Ashley Young Everton
Young is looking for a new challenge at 40 (Credit: Imago)
Young linked with move to former club after Everton exit
Moyes has several new recruits for the season, as Thierno Barry leads the list of Everton signings.
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The Scot has a host of positions that need filling, but the North West club are gradually plugging the gaps in their squad.
However, there was no place for Young, who was allowed to depart on a free transfer after his contract expired.
The 40-year-old made 32 Premier League appearances last season, with 19 of those coming as starts.
Ashley Young’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics Total
Appearances (starts) 32 (19)
Goals 1
Assists 3
Clean sheets 7
Total duels won 3 (57%)
Accurate passses 16.9 (74%)
Young started the majority of his appearances (Sofascore)
However, given his age and ability, the Toffees are seeking upgrades on either side of their backline.
Now, Watford are exploring a deal to re-sign Young, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook (16 July).
The defender is keen to return, and the Hornets have no concerns over his age or fitness, but a final decision rests with manager Paulo Pezzolano.
Young came through the ranks at Watford and made 110 appearances before securing a move to Aston Villa in 2007.
Young set for final hoorah at Watford
This summer has seen a trend of ageing English players securing surprise moves to clubs of a lower standing.
Kyle Walker is perhaps the most standout of those, having joined Burnley on a permanent deal from Manchester City.
Then, Jordan Henderson sealed a shock move to Brentford despite being strongly linked with a return to Sunderland.
Now, Young could follow in their footsteps and would surely see out the end of his career with the Championship club.
The 40-year-old possesses an abundance of experience that can help the Hornets progress through a new era, and it proves he is no longer Premier League standard.
Furthermore, the ultimate cherry on the cake would be Young guiding Watford to promotion.
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