Ashley Young fitness update emerges as Aston Villa eye transfer
Aston Villa have been linked with Ashley Young, who is now available on a free transfer as his Everton contract has expired.
Dr Rajpal Brar, an injury expert, has assessed the 39-year-old's fitness given his age.
The Englishman has been a journeyman since he left the club for the first time and after a two-year return to Villa Park, he moved to the Toffees.
Young's potential decline in game time needs to be factored in
Unai Emery's side will have to consider the age-related changes with Young and how that will affect his game time, according to Dr Brar.
Aston Villa have been linked with a reunion with Young, but nothing is imminent, as things stand.
| Stat | Ashley Young |
| Appearances | 247 |
| Goals | 38 |
| Assists | 53 |
Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, told Villa News: "Considering the number of matches played, Aston Villa may take a closer look at age-related changes that are outside normal variance.
"He has been relatively injury-free at Everton and that always bodes well for a club looking to sign him.
"However, he is 39, so there will need to be a significant decline in the game time and that will surely be factored in before the transfer."
Aston Villa do not need to sign Young
Young, turning 40 on 9 July, is not a necessary signing for Aston Villa, even on a free transfer.
Despite his versatility and experience, with 39 appearances for Everton last season, his age limits his long-term impact in a squad aiming for Champions League consistency under Emery.
Young’s pace and physicality have waned, making him less suited for the high-intensity demands of Villa’s system.
While he is a Premier League winner, his impact would be felt more in the dressing room in a coaching capacity.
Instead, Villa should promote a youth academy prospect who can offer energy, potential and alignment with the club’s long-term vision.
Investing in academy players fosters squad depth, saves costs, and builds a sustainable future, leveraging Villa’s strong youth setup over a short-term veteran stopgap.
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