Everton table one-year contract extension for Ashley Young
Everton have offered a new one-year contract to Ashley Young, according to The Times reporter Paul Joyce.
Despite rapidly approaching his 40s, Young has been an integral player in Sean Dyche’s side this season, filling in for the previously Seamus Coleman at times.
Young has been deployed at right back and left back on multiple occasions and played a key role in helping the Toffees secure their Premier League status.
The 38-year-old has been a mainstay in the Everton backline, featuring 33 times across all competitions, which underscores his remarkable longevity.
His only goal for the Toffees this term came in a 3-0 victory over relegated Burnley in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Young joined Everton on a free transfer from Aston Villa last summer, signing a one-year contract, but he has impressed enough to earn another deal at Goodison Park.
The England international created two big chances, kept six clean sheets, and won 51% of his ground duels. He also averages 1.6 tackles, 1.5 clearances, and 3.8 ball recoveries per match.
Despite his decent numbers, Young could be relegated to a backup role next term, with Everton on the market for a long-term replacement for Coleman.
Speaking of Coleman, the Everton skipper has also been offered a one-year contract extension, although he hasn’t put pen to paper yet.
The club legend is preparing to make a club-record-extending 346th appearance when Dyche’s side travel to the Emirates Stadium to face title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday.
He is expected to make his final decision after the game, but there’s optimism that he will choose to stay, with sporting director Kevin Thelwell and manager Dyche eager to retain his services.
Coleman has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, limiting him to only 11 Premier League appearances this term.
However, he remains a valuable influence in the Everton dressing room and will be key to their ambitions in the 2024/25 season if he decides to stay in Merseyside.
Stats from Sofascore.com