MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United confirmed Thursday the signing of England winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa on a five-year contract.
Young’s representatives held talks with the English Premier League (EPL) champion earlier this month, and personal terms were agreed before he jetted off on vacation.
A statement on United’s official website confirmed Thursday that the transfer was finalized after Young passed a medical in Manchester this week.
The club did not report the price of the deal, but Villa was expected to have received a fee of around $24 million (£15 million) to part with one of its most prized assets.
The 25 year old’s recent starring roles for England enhanced his reputation as a goalscorer and provider, built over four-and-a-half seasons at Villa Park, following a move from his boyhood club, Watford.
The player’s recent declaration that he wanted to play in the UEFA Champions League made it almost certain that he would move this summer, after Villa finished ninth last season, five places below the qualification spots.
Young had a year left on his contract in Birmingham, but his refusal to discuss terms on a new deal effectively confirmed his exit.
His arrival at Old Trafford was met with a good reception among the squad.
Within minutes of the deal being announced, United captain Rio Ferdinand tweeted, “Welcoming Ashley Young to Manchester United, another top, hungry + young player [joins] the ranks.”
Michael Owen earlier made public his pleasure at the imminent deal.
“I see Ashley Young has undergone a medical [Wednesday],” the striker tweeted. “Let’s hope everything goes well as he would be a great signing for us.”
