Plenty of noise has been made about Ipswich Town’s reported interest in Ashley Young, with some fans questioning whether signing a 40-year-old is really a step forward.
But strip away the emotional reaction to his age, and what you’re left with is a move grounded in logic, strategy, and proven pedigree.
Leadership, Experience, and Premier Pedigree
Let’s begin with the facts. Ashley Young made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season for Everton, often going up against some of the best wide players in the world. This wasn’t a swansong season padded with bench minutes. This was a physically demanding campaign in the most unforgiving league, and Young coped with it better than players ten years his junior. That alone should silence any concern about whether he’s still capable of competing at a high level.
He brings vast experience to a team that has lost key leaders like Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo. Unlike leadership that exists purely off the pitch, Young has shown that he can still lead on it. He has captained Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton. This is not someone who might offer intangibles, but someone who demonstrably has.
In fact, if Ipswich want someone who can command respect in the dressing room and set standards in training, who better than a player who has won the Premier League, Serie A, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and played in a World Cup semi-final for England? That calibre cannot be underestimated, especially in a squad that has leaned heavily on youth and Championship newcomers in recent seasons.
Support for Developing Talent
This isn’t about replacing Leif Davis or Harry Clarke. It’s about supplementing them. Janoi Donacien, Axel Tuanzebe, and even Brandon Williams struggled to lock down the right-hand side last season. Wes Burns remains injured, and Clarke still needs consistent mentoring. Signing Young is not about benching promising talent, it’s about raising the standards around them. Clarke learning directly from Young, day in and day out, can only elevate his game.
Young’s positional flexibility also means he can be used at right-back or left-back, depending on need. He offers genuine utility, rather than simply taking up a squad number. And given the physical demands of a Championship season, having a player who can plug multiple holes without a drop in professionalism or tactical discipline is an asset, not a hindrance.
A Thoughtful, Short-Term Investment
Critics have claimed that bringing in a 40-year-old contradicts the club’s ambition to return to the Premier League. But that entirely misunderstands the purpose of the signing. Ipswich are not offering a three-year deal or planning to build their team around Young. This is a calculated short-term investment. He brings instant know-how, can offer depth in multiple positions, and may well transition into a player-coach role as the season progresses.
It’s a common misconception that only young players can improve a squad. The reality is that clubs need balance. Last season’s Ipswich team had enthusiasm and energy, but at times it lacked that hardened, battle-tested voice who could rally players when things got tough. Young can be that voice.
Some comparisons have been drawn to Dominic Ball or other experienced players who failed to contribute significantly, but that’s unfair. Young is coming off a full Premier League season. He is not arriving with fitness doubts or needing time to get up to speed. This is a player in form and with something to prove.
No Better Time to Add Know-How
As Ipswich look to cement themselves as promotion contenders, the club must ensure they are not caught flat-footed in key moments of the season. Championship promotion races are defined not just by talent, but by know-how. Those with experience in seeing out tight games, staying composed under pressure, and delivering in hostile away fixtures often make the difference. Young has done all of that, in multiple countries, against elite opposition.
Let’s also not pretend that Ipswich’s summer has been without challenges. Losing influential figures like Morsy, Tuanzebe, and Luongo in the same window creates a vacuum that cannot be filled by raw potential alone. Bringing in someone who knows what success looks like, who holds others to account, and who adds a layer of professionalism to every session is exactly the sort of move that makes sense at this stage of the window.
Conclusion: Age Is a Number, Pedigree Is Permanent
Ashley Young might be 40, but he is a long way from being finished. He is not a vanity signing, nor a sentimental one. He’s a proven winner, a dressing room leader, and still an effective footballer. If Ipswich want to return to the Premier League, they will need a balance of youth and experience. Young gives them that in abundance.
Far from being a cause for concern, this potential signing should be seen as a statement of intent. Ipswich are not just chasing talent—they are chasing wisdom, stability, and professionalism. Ashley Young ticks every box.
