Sky Sports: Ipswich Town Want to Sign 40-year-old Premier League Veteran | OneFootball

Ipswich Town Eye Move for Ashley Young

Ipswich Town’s interest in veteran defender Ashley Young has been revealed by Sky Sports News, with reporters Anthony Joseph, Mark McAdam and Dharmesh Sheth detailing the Championship club’s intentions. The Tractor Boys are said to be preparing a formal approach to Young’s representatives in the coming days, as they look to bolster their right-back options.

McKenna’s Connection Could Be Key

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna knows Ashley Young well from his coaching days at Manchester United, where Young was a respected figure in the dressing room. This pre-existing relationship could play an important role in convincing the 40-year-old to join Ipswich, especially with other Championship clubs, including Watford, also making offers.

Young’s leadership and professionalism are seen as valuable assets. His experience at Manchester United, Inter Milan and Everton brings a level of know-how that few in the Championship can match. Ipswich, newly promoted to the Championship, appear to be aiming not just for survival but for an ambitious season.

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Why Young Still Has Plenty to Offer

Despite his age, Young remains a highly regarded option. Known for his versatility, he can play both full-back positions and has also been deployed further forward when needed. Ipswich are not solely focused on him, but his name is clearly high on their list.

Sky Sports reports, “Ipswich are expected to formally approach Young’s representatives over a deal in the coming days,” underlining that talks are moving beyond early interest.

If signed, Young would bring not just on-pitch quality but off-pitch influence. Young’s impact in the dressing room could be invaluable for a squad facing the demanding Championship schedule. His leadership might help guide younger players, especially during difficult stretches.

Competition for Young’s Signature

Watford’s interest cannot be ignored, given Young’s history there. He came through Watford’s academy before making a name for himself at Aston Villa and Manchester United. Whether nostalgia will sway his decision or the project at Ipswich will prove more attractive remains to be seen.

Ipswich’s potential move for Young signals ambition, and while it is still early days, the noise around this deal suggests there is real intent.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Ipswich fan’s sceptical viewpoint, the move for Ashley Young raises a few eyebrows. While there is no denying Young’s pedigree, at 40 years old, questions about his pace and durability are justified. The Championship is unforgiving, with relentless midweek fixtures and a physical edge that can punish even younger players.

One might wonder if this is a romantic signing rather than a strategic one. Is McKenna’s connection clouding judgement? The need for leadership is clear, but do Ipswich really lack that, or are they overlooking younger, hungrier right-backs available for a fraction of the wage Young would command?

Another concern is competition. With Watford involved, will Ipswich get drawn into a bidding war they cannot win? Or worse, will they end up overpaying for a player whose best days are behind him?

Many fans would prefer the club to look towards building a long-term squad rather than plugging gaps with ageing stars. While experience is valuable, it must balance with future planning. A cautious optimism is the fairest stance, but for some supporters, this move feels more like a nostalgic headline grab than a Championship masterstroke.