on 23 january 2007, aston villa completed the signing of young for a fee of £8 million (rising to £9.65 million with add-ons). at the time, this was the highest fee aston villa had ever paid for a player. on 31 january 2007, he scored on his debut for villa at st james' park against newcastle united, but villa went on to lose 3–1. young started the 2007–08 season well, receiving several man of the match awards, culminating in a call-up to the england squad.