Ashley Young ‘to leave Everton’ after brand new contract developments
Ashley Young is still going strong at Everton as his contract at Goodison Park expires at the end of the season.
The 39-year-old has been an ever-present in the Toffees’ plans since his move in the summer of 2023, but it remains to be seen whether his stay will be extended beyond this season.
Sean Dyche relied on the versatile defender in his backline before his sacking, but David Moyes has preferred Jake O’Brien at right-back in recent matches.
Ashley Young to leave Everton?
Young will potentially not be a part of the Blues squad at the start of next season, Graeme Bailey says.
The TBR Football journalist believes the Merseyside outfit will not offer the English veteran fresh terms to extend his stay at Goodison.
Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane are the other players expected to possibly depart once their contracts expire in the summer.
Speaking to Everton News (6 February), Bailey said: “I don’t think Young, Coleman will be back next season. And I’m not convinced Keane will either to this point.”
TFG have several contract decisions to make at Everton
The Friedkin Group (TFG) will have many contract decisions to make over the coming months, with several players in the final year of their deals.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye are some of the other key players who will be free agents unless they are tied down to new deals.
At the moment, Moyes doesn’t have time to worry about what will happen at the end of the campaign as Everton fight relegation, with much success so far.
The Merseyside outfit have given themselves a boost in the race for survival after winning three consecutive games in the Premier League, but there’s still a long way to go.
Young has mostly played at right-back over the last few months, but the Scottish manager seems to prefer O’Brien in the position, and that call has been fruitful.
The 39-year-old is evidently in the final stretch of his career and arguably can’t be relied upon as a starter if the Blues have any ambitions of progressing in the coming future.
What the defender can provide is vital experience and depth in the squad as a backup if he were to stay.
With Coleman’s consistent fitness issues and the apparent lack of trust in Nathan Patterson, it feels necessary for a new right-back to come through the doors at Goodison Park next summer.
Young and the others will have to wait to know what the future holds for them.