Ashley Young Opens Up on Everton Exit Disappointment as He Prepares for Ipswich Town Debut

 

Veteran defender Ashley Young has spoken candidly about his disappointment following his departure from Everton earlier this summer. The 40-year-old has now signed with Championship side Ipswich Town, where he’s expected to make his debut in their opening fixture against newly promoted Birmingham City on Friday, August 8th.

 

A New Chapter Begins After Merseyside Exit

 

Young’s move to Ipswich marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in an already illustrious career that has spanned over two decades. However, the former England international was hoping for a different outcome at the end of last season. After joining Everton in the summer of 2023 following his release from Aston Villa, Young had signed a two-year deal that expired this summer. With no contract extension offered by the club, he was left with no choice but to move on.

 

Speaking to Sky Sports News (28 July), Young shared his frustration:

 

> “It was difficult. I was disappointed not to be offered a new contract [at Everton], but that’s behind me now, and I’ve got to come here now and produce the goods on the pitch.”

 

 

 

Despite his obvious disappointment, Young is focused on his next task — contributing to Ipswich’s Championship campaign and helping the club push for promotion to the Premier League.

 

A Summer of Transition at Everton

 

Everton, under the new ownership of The Friedkin Group (TFG), have undergone a summer of transition as they seek to reshape the squad and push forward with their long-term vision. Several senior players have departed following the expiry of their contracts — among them striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young.

 

While fans may be nostalgic about Young’s brief but impactful spell at Goodison Park, the club’s decision not to offer a new contract was rooted in strategic squad planning. At 40 years of age, Young brought leadership and experience to the Toffees, but Everton now seem intent on investing in younger talent with a longer shelf life.

 

Was Everton Right to Let Young Go?

 

Although Young featured regularly for Everton and remained a dependable figure during his time there, the club’s choice to part ways seems justified when viewed through the lens of squad evolution. His move to the Championship is, in many ways, a reflection of where he currently stands in his career.

 

The fact that he has dropped down a tier also reinforces the sense that Everton made a sensible footballing decision. It was a move based on future potential rather than sentiment — something that fans often struggle with but clubs must adhere to in the modern game.

 

Young’s Legacy at Goodison Park

 

Despite his short spell on Merseyside, Ashley Young leaves with his head held high. He brought professionalism, versatility, and experience to a team that needed steadiness at a time of instability. Playing across full-back and wide roles, his influence on and off the pitch was evident, especially during the 2023/24 campaign where injuries to key players meant his presence was often vital.

 

Now at Ipswich, Young has the opportunity to bring the same qualities to a new dressing room, where his leadership could be invaluable in a long and competitive Championship season.

 

Everton Focused on Future-Led Recruitment

 

Meanwhile, Everton continue to look to the future. Talks are progressing to bring in highly-rated prospect Adam Aznou, with other transfer targets also in the pipeline. The club’s recruitment strategy, spearheaded by TFG and manager David Moyes, signals a clear shift toward long-term planning and building a squad capable of consistent top-flight performance.

 

The mood around Goodison Park is gradually improving, with optimism growing about the direction the club is headed. While players like Young and Calvert-Lewin may no longer be part of the journey, their contributions remain respected — but the focus is now firmly on what lies ahead.

 

 

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With his Everton chapter now closed, Ashley Young is eager to prove he still has plenty to offer. As he prepares to step onto the pitch in Ipswich colours, the veteran defender will look to channel his disappointment into performances that can inspire his new club — and perhaps show Everton what they’ve let go.