Ashley Westwood

Aston Villa Despite the speculation of a transfer to Swansea City, talks between the two clubs broke down as the South Wales club was unable to match the asking price set by the Railwaymen. With talks of the deal reaching a stumbling block, Aston Villa were quick to capitalise and signed the midfielder on the final day of the summer 2012 transfer window. Westwood signed on a four-year deal with the Birmingham based club for a fee believed to be around £2 million. thumb

He made his debut on 15 September 2012, coming on as a second-half substitute for Stephen Ireland during a 2–0 win at home to Swansea City. On 3 November, Westwood made his first league start for Villa in a 1–0 win away at Sunderland. The young midfielder was highly praised for his role in the win, alongside Barry Bannan. On 15 July 2013, Westwood signed a new four-year contract keeping him at the club until summer 2017. He scored his first goal for the club against local rivals West Bromwich Albion in a 2–2 draw at The Hawthorns. On 29 March 2014, he scored in a 4–1 defeat away to Manchester United at Old Trafford. On 3 May 2014, Westwood scored after 54 seconds against Hull City in a 3–1 home victory that helped ensure Villa avoided relegation.

On 12 August 2015 Westwood signed a new five-year contract.

Burnley On 31 January 2017, Westwood signed for Premier League club Burnley on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with the option of a further year. He scored his first goal for Burnley on 10 March 2019, opening the scoring direct from a corner in a 4–2 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield. He was voted Burnley's player of the season for 2018–19 by both supporters and players. On 3 October 2020, Westwood scored on his 100th Premier League appearance for Burnley in a 3–1 defeat against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

During Burnley's game against West Ham United at the London Stadium on 17 April 2022, Westwood suffered a serious ankle injury in a collision with Nikola Vlašić, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Charlotte

On 7 January 2023, Westwood signed for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC on a contract until 2024.

Playing style Westwood operates primarily as a deep-lying playmaker although he is capable of playing in a role higher up the midfield as well as right back. After his transfer to Aston Villa, Westwood compared himself to Michael Carrick adding that he is "someone who stays out of the limelight and keeps it simple, retaining the ball and laying it off to team-mates".

Career statistics

Honours Crewe Alexandra Football League Two play-offs: 2012

Aston Villa FA Cup runner-up: 2014–15

Individual Burnley Player of the Year: 2018–19 MLS All-Star: 2026