Rotherham Hub
Rotherham United have agreed a deal to sign former Salford City midfielder Ossama Ashley on a free transfer. New Rotherham boss Alex Bruce has played a key role in persuading the 26-year-old to snub interest from elsewhere.
What happened?
Ashley has agreed terms with the Yorkshire club, who were relegated from League One to League Two at the end of last season.
He impressed in League Two last term as he helped his side to reach the play-off final before leaving, with his contract expiring.
Why it matters for Rotherham
He is seen as a major coup for Rotherham and their new boss Bruce. Ashley made 19 appearances across all competitions last season, after missing large spells through injury.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| League standing | 23rd in League One, 41 pts, 10W-11D-25L from 46 games |
| Recent form | LDLWL |
| Goals this season | 41 scored, 71 conceded (-30 goal difference) |
What comes next?
Ashley will undergo medical tests before finalising the move to The Millers, and is keen to link up with Bruce. A host of EFL clubs were placed on alert by the midfielder's availability and had hoped to bring him in, but Rotherham have now stolen a march on their rivals. As of the current season, Rotherham's last result was Wycombe 3-2 Rotherham (2026-05-02), and they are 62 points behind leaders Lincoln. Their recent form has been 0W-2D-3L (LLDDL, most recent first), with the team losing the last 2 games. The appointment of Bruce as their new head coach has already bore fruit, with the boss playing a key role in convincing Ashley to pick them over his other options. Ashley is already proven at League Two level, and the move is regarded as a coup for Rotherham, who hope to be ambitious in their summer plans.
