Salford City secures signing of midfielder Ossama Ashley from Colchester United
Ossama Ashley Credit: Salford City
Salford City has announced the signing of 23-year-old midfielder Ossama Ashley from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.
Ashley, who had an impressive season with Colchester United, has agreed to an initial two-year deal with Salford City.
Ashley became a key figure for the Colchester side that went unbeaten in 15 out of the 20 games he participated in during 2023.
Across the season, Ashley made 28 league appearances, four in the Papa John’s Trophy, two in the Carabao Cup, and one in the Emirates FA Cup, marking a successful breakthrough season.
Ashley's career began at AFC Wimbledon, where he made his senior debut in an EFL Trophy game in the 2017-18 season at the age of 17.
Despite not making further appearances for the Dons, his career progressed as he signed for West Ham United after being released in 2020.
He continued to make appearances in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2 before joining Colchester United in 2022 following a pre-season trial.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Salford City, Ashley said, "It’s a team I’ve followed closely during last season and a team that stood out in the league. Certainly when we played them [with Colchester] it was probably the hardest team we played against, and the style of football is attractive so I’m really happy to be here."
"I spoke to the Gaffer, he proposed the project to me and his plans for next season and how he sees me in that role and that was something that really stood out for me. His style of football to really get the ball moving is something that’s very attractive and doesn’t happen much in this league, so the only way is up and I’m glad I’ve signed," Ashley added.
Ossama is the second new arrival of the summer for Salford City and the sixth player to sign ahead of the 2023-24 season.
