In one of the most surprising moves of the summer window, Ipswich Town are set to sign 40-year-old former England international Ashley Young — after negotiations over an emotional return to Watford reportedly fell through.
According to Ben Jacobs, the veteran free agent is now close to joining Kieran McKenna’s ambitious Ipswich side. The Tractor Boys see Young as a key addition to bring leadership, depth, and top-flight experience to their squad.
Ashley Young close to joining Ipswich Town, per @alex_crook. Watford were keen to re-sign Young and even make him captain, but personal terms an issue.🚜 pic.twitter.com/RRZ3UYnlci
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2025
A Bold but Calculated Move
While some may raise eyebrows at the age on his passport, there are no doubts about Young’s fitness or professionalism. Even at 40, he featured regularly for Everton last season and has shown he can still compete physically at the highest level.
Young brings with him a glittering career résumé, including:
- Over 750 club career appearances
- Five major trophies with Manchester United, including a Premier League title
- A Serie A title with Inter Milan under Antonio Conte
- 39 England caps
Now, he could bring that elite pedigree to Portman Road.
Why It Makes Sense for Ipswich
Ipswich are preparing for life back in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League — and manager Kieran McKenna is wasting no time in reshaping his squad for an immediate return.
In a league known for its intensity and unpredictability, the value of experience, leadership, and tactical flexibility cannot be overstated. Enter Ashley Young.
At 40, Young still offers incredible versatility — capable of covering both full-back roles, playing on the wing, or even stepping into midfield. But beyond his positional value, it's his mentality, professionalism, and leadership that could prove crucial in a long, grueling Championship season.
This isn’t just a nostalgic signing. It's a calculated move to inject Premier League pedigree into a squad that will need resilience, character, and guidance to mount a serious promotion challenge.
One Last Championship Challenge?
Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Young said he’s “not done yet,” and is open to the right challenge. While his initial hope may have been to remain in the top flight, the opportunity to lead a Championship contender back to the Premier League could be just as enticing.
A return to the division where he made his name — but now as a battle-tested veteran with silverware in England and Italy — would bring his story full circle.
Ipswich fans will hope that Young’s experience, leadership, and still-sharp footballing mind can be a difference-maker in the high-stakes fight for promotion.
An official announcement could be just around the corner.
