Barnsley FC and Stockport County 'eyeing' ex-West Ham United prospect Ossama Ashley after Salford City exit
Barnsley and Stockport County credited with interest in outgoing Salford City midfielder Ossama Ashley
Barnsley are reportedly eyeing a move for outgoing Salford City midfielder Ossama Ashley.
The 26-year-old is free to seek pastures new as a free agent, with his Ammies contract due to expire at the end of the month. He is moving on after three seasons at Salford, for whom he made 66 appearances.
His final season at the Peninsula Stadium was marred by injury troubles and he managed just 18 outings in League Two. He was not involved in the recent play-off final at Wembley, in which Salford were beaten 3-0 by Notts County.
Barnsley linked with free agent midfielder
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, both Barnsley and their League One counterparts Stockport County are eyeing free transfer swoops for Ashley.
Posting on X, O’Rourke said: “Stockport and Barnsley are eyeing moves for out-of-contract Salford midfielder Ossama Ashley.”
Given his lack of action last season, Ashley would not be the most glamorous of signings for the Reds or the Hatters. However, when fully-fit, the midfielder is undeniably a gifted operator.
Ossama Ashley’s career path
He made his foray into the senior game with AFC Wimbledon before being released in 2020. Ashley bounced back in style, landing a contract at West Ham United following a successful trial.
A spell in League Two with Colchester United followed his Hammers release in 2022, and Salford struck a deal to sign him in 2023.
The midfielder will be keen to get his career back on track after an injury-plagued spell and would most likely relish a League One opportunity.
It remains to be seen whether Barnsley, who have not yet made a summer signing, will make a move for Ashley. A new era is being ushered in following the appointment of Daniel Stendel as Reds boss and the Oakwell faithful are hoping for the long-awaited return of the feel-good factor.