Top 10 Players who returned to their former clubs in 2021

#3 Ashley Young to Aston Villa

Young at Villa's training complex

A product of the Watford academy, Ashley Young returned to the club where he exhibited his true potential: Aston Villa. Arguably, Young played some of his best football at Villa Park, which won him numerous accolades. He became only the fourth player to win the 'Premier League Player of the Month' award more than once, in his second season with the Villans.

Even at 36-years old, Ashley Young showing he’s still got it 🔥Looking back at the end of the season, he may turn out to be one of the best value for money deals you’ll see this window given he’s on a free with his ability & experience 👏 ✅ #avfcpic.twitter.com/sLTLGjGdks

— Total Villa (@Total_Villa) July 19, 2021

The 2009 PFA Young Player of the Year awardee was mainly deployed on the wings in his days at Villa. A dream move to Manchester United soon derailed the once promising attacker's career. He was experimented upon a lot at Old Trafford, being used in various positions. Young was converted to a proper left-back by the end of his United career.

He enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance period at Inter, rediscovering his offensive traits as a wing-back. At 36, this may be Young's last chance to redeem his career.

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#2 Douglas Costa to Gremio (loan)

Costa will wear the number 10 jersey upon his return to Gremio

After 5 years at Shakhtar Donetsk and 6 years of tossing between Bayern Munich and Juventus, Gremio made it official that Douglas Costa would be returning to the Brazilian giants on a season-long loan.

Known for his lethal dribbling skills, Costa made a name for himself during his early days in Ukraine owing to his versatality and ability to adapt. This earned him a move to Bayern Munich, where he won three league titles. A switch to Juventus earned Costa the same amount of trophies, three of them being the Scudetto.

A stereotypical 'player of the streets', Costa will now be showcasing his Brazilian flair at Gremio, until June 2022, at least.

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#1 Gianluigi Buffon to Parma

Buffon surrounded by little Parma fans

This list was not devised in any particular order, but Gianluigi Buffon would've still ended up on the top, if it was. The legendary goalkeeper recently ended his 19-year-old love affair with Juventus to make a heroic return to his childhood club Parma.

🎙Gianluigi Buffon 🇮🇹: "I think Juve is a team that has all the credentials to go back to winning the league. Last year there was talk of disappointment but we won the Italian Cup, the Super Cup, we qualified for the UCL. It just doesn't seem like it to me." #Juventus pic.twitter.com/XNBF4RblwK

— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) July 17, 2021

Buffon moved to Turin in a €52m move which made him the most expensive keeper of all time as well as Juventus' most costly buy ever (both these records have been broken since). However, with his performances and records, the Juventus faithful will always view this deal as a bargain.

The Italian giant's longetivity at the top of the game is down-right scary. At 43 years of age, Buffon will lead his boyhood club's bid to win promotion to Serie A.