Former England coach Stuart Pearce believes Wrexham should move for free agent Ashley Young, calling the 40-year-old a smart and versatile addition ahead of their Championship campaign.
Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed rise has captured headlines across the footballing world — but could their next big move involve a Premier League veteran nearing 40? According to former England U21 boss Stuart Pearce, Ashley Young could be the perfect fit for the ambitious Welsh club as they gear up for life in the Championship.
Despite recently turning 39, Young is showing no signs of hanging up his boots. The versatile full-back, who made 33 appearances for Everton last season, is now a free agent and evaluating his next move. His adaptability — having transitioned from a winger to a full-back, and even playing in central roles — makes him a rare commodity on the market.
Pearce, who coached Young during his England U21 days, believes the ex-Manchester United and Aston Villa star still has plenty to offer:
He’s physically fit. He plays the games. I think he’d be a really good acquisition for someone like Wrexham,” Pearce told BoyleSports.
He’s got the ability to play either full-back or further up the pitch. He’s got the intelligence to even play in central midfield. I know the value he had at Everton. He’s a leader.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have built Wrexham’s rise on smart, calculated gambles. With three promotions in a row and a Championship return now reality, their recruitment has increasingly focused on experience and pedigree.
Young checks every box:
- Vast top-flight experience (over 420 Premier League appearances)
- Proven leadership and dressing room presence
- Positional flexibility – can fill gaps across defence or midfield
- No transfer fee required
For a newly promoted side, adding a player like Young on a one-year deal with performance incentives is a low-risk, high-upside move.
Wrexham aren’t alone in their interest. Watford, where Young began his career in 2003, are reportedly keen on bringing him back to Vicarage Road for a sentimental final chapter.
While talks between Young and Watford are said to be progressing, Wrexham could tempt the veteran with guaranteed minutes, a leading role in a feel-good project, and the chance to be part of something historic under Reynolds and McElhenney’s vision.
Even at 39, Young played 30+ games in the Premier League last season. His continued fitness, professionalism, and adaptability could make him a valuable mentor for Wrexham’s younger squad, especially as the club prepares for the physical and tactical demands of Championship football.
With Ben Tozer departing and Elliot Lee approaching 30, Young’s presence could provide a stabilising influence in both the dressing room and on the pitch.
If Ashley Young is willing to embrace a new challenge and play a key role in Wrexham’s next chapter, it’s a move that makes plenty of sense — financially, tactically, and symbolically.
Whether he chooses a nostalgic return to Watford or a Hollywood script in Wrexham may come down to ambition vs. emotion.
But one thing is clear: Ashley Young isn’t done yet.
