Watford want Ashley Young to return to the club ahead of next season. Young spent his entire youth career with the Hornets, joining the club’s academy in 1995.
Considered by some as a club legend, Young made his senior debut as an 18-year-old and scored his first Hornets goal against Millwall in the September of 2003. After becoming an English star and a Manchester United icon, Young is likely to return to the club he considers home.
Watford Want Ashley Young Return
Contract With Inter Milan Expires in the Summer
The left-midfielder, who also plays as a left-back, left Watford in 2007 for Aston Villa in a move for around £10million. Four years later, he was sold to Manchester United for close to £17 million. Following nine successful seasons at Old Trafford, the now 35-year-old moved to Inter Milan.
Young’s contract with Inter Milan expires in the summer. With the club winning the Scudetto, Young will not feel as if there are loose ends left in Italy. Especially if Inter Milan do not offer him a new contract, a Vicarage Road return is in the cards.
Ashley Young Reunion Talks Have Commenced
Fabrizio Romano reports that Young and Watford have opened talks about a long-awaited return. Of course, the only payment Watford would have to make is his wages. With promotion to the Premier League secured, ending his career with Watford in the top flight will make him feel as if he has come full circle.
Young has made 31 appearances for Inter Milan this season, primarily playing as a left-midfielder (or wing-back), though he has lined up on the right-side as well.
Perfect Promotion Prize for Watford
The most prolific days of Young’s career came with Aston Villa, where he had 96 goal contributions in 190 appearances. In 261 appearances with the Red Devils, he notched 62 goal contributions. The club he had 32 goal contributions for in 107 matches should not have any reluctance to welcome him back.
This season, the Hornets’ lack of left-back depth has harmed them on multiple occasions. Although Young prefers playing as a left midfielder, he naturally slots into left-back when called upon.
Adam Masina is the club’s only senior left-back under contract beyond the summer. When injured at the start of the season, Kiko Femenia frequently needed to play as a left-back. The Spaniard performed well, but Watford’s lack of left-back depth was obvious to all, and also meant Femenia was not utilized in his best position.
Young would provide much-needed depth and starting competition. His set-piece ability is also something Watford will appreciate acquiring. As it is indeed a free transfer, the Hornets are not taking any risks by letting him return. If the deal happens, it will be the perfect fairytale finish for the England international loved by so many.
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