Former England international Ashley Young has signed for Ipswich Town at the age of 40. With a career that has spanned nearly two decades at the top level, including stints at Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Everton, Young brings unmatched experience and leadership to Portman Road.
Despite his age, Young remains fit and competitive, and this transfer isn’t just for show.
He’s expected to play a key role on and off the pitch as Ipswich push for promotion to the Premier League.
The signing also sees Young reunited with manager Kieran McKenna, who previously worked with him at Manchester United.
That existing relationship could help ease the transition and maximize Young’s impact in the squad.
Known for his versatility, Young can fill in at full-back or as a winger, providing Ipswich with tactical flexibility and a cool head in high-pressure moments.
His presence in the dressing room alone is likely to lift the standard and expectations of a squad that has ambitions of climbing to the top flight.
One of the emotional highlights of the season will be when Ipswich face Watford, the club where Young began his professional career. Those matches will carry personal meaning, but also represent how far he has come and the professional longevity he continues to show.
Signing a 40-year-old player in today’s fast-paced game might raise questions, but Ashley Young has proven time and again that he still has plenty to offer.
Ipswich haven’t just added a player—they’ve added a winner, a leader, and a professional who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
