Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Ashley Young to leave Everton as a free agent

Sport

Ashley Young to leave Everton as a free agent
Sport

Sport

Ashley Young to leave Everton as a free agent

2025-05-17 22:37 Last Updated At:22:50

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton defender Ashley Young will leave the club as a free agent in the offseason when his contract expires.

The 39-year-old Young, a former Manchester United and England player, has played 34 times this season despite his age.

Everton manager David Moyes hailed Young's professionalism and leadership qualities.

“His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me,” Moyes said.

With United, Young won the Premier League title as well as the FA Cup and English League Cup. He has also played for Inter Milan and had two spells at Aston Villa.

Everton also said back-up goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia would be leaving as free agents.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - Everton's Ashley Young celebrates winning goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Everton, at Selhurst Park Stadium in London,Saturday, Feb 15,2025. AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

FILE - Everton's Ashley Young celebrates winning goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Everton, at Selhurst Park Stadium in London,Saturday, Feb 15,2025. AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Themus Fulks hit a jumper with 11 seconds left to give No. 25 UCF a 73-72 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday.

Riley Kugel scored 19 points for the Knights, who held on after blowing a five-point lead with 2:22 to play. Fulks, who came in 13th in the country in assists at 6.6 per game, had 12 assists and six points.

The Bearcats had a chance to win, but Jalen Celestine's 3-pointer at the buzzer missed off the back iron.

Jamichael Stillwell added 15 points for the Knights (13-2, 2-1 Big 12), and backup big man Jeremy Foumena had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Moustapha Thiam, who transferred from UCF to Cincinnati in the offseason, was booed on every touch and finished with a career-high 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting for the Bearcats (8-8, 0-3). Jizzle James added 14 points and Baba Miller had 13.

The game was tight throughout. UCF led 33-32 at halftime and its biggest second-half lead was six points. After the Knights went ahead 71-66 with 2:22 to play, Thiam responded with a hook shot and two free throws, and Miller's layup with 30 seconds left put the Bearcats ahead 72-71.

Cincinnati shot only 3 of 19 (15.8%) from 3-point range. UCF, meanwhile, shot 57.7% from the floor and 6 of 14 from 3.

The Bearcats kept it close thanks to their defense and rebounding. Cincinnati forced 14 turnovers for 17 points and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds for 15 second-chance points.

Cincinnati: Hosts Colorado on Wednesday.

UCF: At Kansas State on Wednesday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Central Florida center Jeremy Foumena (0) goes up to shoot between Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) and center Moustapha Thiam, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Central Florida center Jeremy Foumena (0) goes up to shoot between Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) and center Moustapha Thiam, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Central Florida forward Jamichael Stillwell (4) celebrates after getting the win as Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (52) and guard Jizzle James (2) look on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Central Florida forward Jamichael Stillwell (4) celebrates after getting the win as Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (52) and guard Jizzle James (2) look on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Central Florida guard Themus Fulks goes up to shoot the game-winning shot as Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Central Florida guard Themus Fulks goes up to shoot the game-winning shot as Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Recommended Articles