Ossama Ashley: England-Morocco midfielder joins Rotherham on free transfer from Salford

England-Morocco defensive midfielder Ossama Ashley has joined Rotherham from Salford City on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027 after leaving the League Two club at the end of his contract.

London-born Ashley, who is right-footed and stands at 1.80m, leaves Salford having moved there from Colchester United in July 2023. His switch to Rotherham keeps him in the EFL structure and in League Two competition, where he has built up the bulk of his senior experience.

Ashley has made 87 appearances in League Two, scoring two goals and providing six assists, and has also featured in the EFL Trophy, FA Cup and EFL Cup during his career. He arrives at Rotherham with a market value of around 175,000.

Before his time at Salford and Colchester, Ashley was on the books at West Ham, turning out primarily for their under-21 and under-23 sides after an earlier spell with AFC Wimbledon. He also had a short loan stint at Billericay during his breakthrough years.

Rotherhams move for Ashley is a permanent transfer, confirmed on 10 July 2026, and the midfielder will now begin a one-year stint with the club under the terms of his contract.