Ex-Aston Villa and Carlisle United man – worth £190k – transfers to former club
Brad Young of TNS in action. The New Saints v Swansea City u21in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at Jenner Park on the 20th January 2024.
Former Aston Villa and Carlisle United striker Brad Young has sealed a return to his former club, The New Saints.
Young joined Caernarfon Town in December, where he went on to score four goals and provide one assist in 13 appearances. His contributions helped the club secure the Welsh Cup.
The 23-year-old now returns to Park Hall, just 20 months after departing The New Saints to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah in a reported £190,000 transfer fee — a deal that stands as a record for the Cymru Premier.
Attacking threat in abundance at Park Hall
The return of Brad Young to The New Saints adds even more firepower to an already impressive attacking unit at Park Hall, with the club boasting strong depth in forward areas following another busy period of recruitment.
Young rejoins a squad that already features Ben Wilson, the club’s record signing from Airdrieonians for a reported £200,000, and Jordan Williams, who enjoyed a standout campaign last season after winning both the Cymru Premier Golden Boot and Player of the Season.
Williams produced a remarkable return of 28 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances, with 26 of those goals coming in the league, underlining his importance as one of the division’s most lethal attackers.
Wilson, meanwhile, added 10 goals in 24 games following his arrival from Scotland, although his involvement became more limited towards the latter stages of the campaign.
Head coach Craig Harrison was also pleased welcome Brad back to Park Hall and said: “We know exactly what Brad brings – his ability, his character, and the contribution he made in the season we reached the Conference League isn’t something you forget.
“We already have very good attacking options with Ben Wilson and Jordan Williams, but Brad gives us greater depth, more flexibility, and the ability to play different shapes and systems. At the end of the day, your strikers win you games – and now we’ve got real competition for places, which can only be a good thing.
“I have a great relationship with Brad. He works as hard as he is talented, and when the opportunity came up it was a no-brainer to bring him home.”
Young’s first spell with The New Saints after Aston Villa exit
Young came through Aston Villa’s FA Youth Cup-winning side and went on to make one senior appearance for the club, coming off the bench in an FA Cup defeat to Liverpool. He also gained loan experience with Carlisle United and Ayr United in Scotland, before finding his goalscoring form in senior football during his spell with The New Saints.
During his first spell with The New Saints, having joined after his contract with Aston Villa wasn’t renewed, Young enjoyed a prolific run, scoring 32 goals in 43 appearances before his move abroad.
Young had a hugely successful spell both collectively and individually. The striker helped the club secure a Cymru Premier title and Nathaniel MG Cup, playing a key role in their domestic dominance.
On a personal level, he also collected several major honours, including the Cymru Premier Golden Boot, Young Player of the Season, Supporters’ Player of the Season, and Manager’s Player of the Season, underlining his standout impact during his first spell in Oswestry.
“I never stopped following The New Saints after I left, and if I’m being honest, a part of me always hoped I’d get the chance to come back,” Young said to the official club website.
“This club gave me some of the best moments of my career, and I’m hungry to create more. The fans have always been incredible with me and I can’t wait to get back out there and repay that support. It’s a fresh start for me, and I’m even more hungry than I’ve been to succeed.”
Brad Young says he never lost his connection with The New Saints following his departure, admitting he always hoped for a return to Park Hall.
“I never stopped following The New Saints after I left, and if I’m being honest, a part of me always hoped I’d get the chance to come back,” Young told the club’s official website.
He added that his time at the club left a lasting impact and that he is determined to build on his previous success.
“This club gave me some of the best moments of my career, and I’m hungry to create more. The fans have always been incredible with me, and I can’t wait to get back out there and repay that support. It’s a fresh start for me, and I’m even more hungry than I’ve been to succeed.”
