Steven Gerrard has confirmed Aston Villa have spoken to Ashley Young over a new contract and hopes the midfielder rejects any free transfers away, via quotes by the Express & Star.
Young returned to Villa Park last summer on a one-year deal to bolster Dean Smith’s ranks after a decade away. He had left the Birmingham outfit to join Manchester United in 2011 for £17m. The 36-year-old then spent one-and-a-half-years at Inter Milan from 2020 to ‘21.
Smith rarely utilised Young during their time together before Aston Villa fired the 50-year-old and hired Gerrard as his replacement. Young featured in just six Premier League games and started four, but has opened five of 10 appearances since the Villans’ change in coach.
Both Smith and Gerrard have played on Young’s versatility to offer Aston Villa depth in the defence and midfield. Of the 39-cap former England international’s top-flight games so far, he has played five at left-back, five in centre-midfield, two at right-back and three out wide.
Gerrard ‘made it nice and clear’ he wants new Aston Villa contract for Young
Gerrard has made it clear to both Aston Villa and Young that he wants to see the one-time Premier League winner sign a new contract before his existing terms expire this summer.
“There have been discussions,” Gerrard said. “These decisions will happen when the time is right. I have made it nice and clear to Ash I want him to stay around. Ash seems to be enjoying it. With any decision, the player has to want to stay, he has to be happy.
“He obviously has to negotiate and have his people connect with the club. There are still a lot of things to discuss moving forward. There is no rush on it as far as I am concerned, but at the same time I want to make clear we are delighted with him and the job he has done.”
Gerrard is adamant that fans and critics “need to give Young a lot of credit” for his displays since re-joining Aston Villa. He firmly considers his former England teammate a rare breed for what Young can still offer at 36. The veteran and versatile star will turn 37 on July 9.
“You can’t underestimate or play down the fact someone can come in and do any kind of job on the pitch,” he added. “Not many players can do that and have that versatility at that level, especially at his age. He is one of a few who are capable.”
Young’s future with Aston Villa had seemed uncertain in January. But the Mirror reported he snubbed a transfer to Newcastle United or Watford to fight for his place under Gerrard.
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