Salford City star Ossama Ashley has emerged on the radar of several Championship and League One clubs ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season and the impressive nature of his performances for Salford have allowed him to become a person of interest to clubs higher up the footballing pyramid.
There is no comment as to whether Salford have began talks to extend his contract at the League Two side, but currently is appears as though his long-term future could lie away from the football club.
Ashley to depart Salford?
As reported by journalist Mike McGrath, Salford’s Ossama Ashley is being chased by several EFL sides though none have been directly named at this stage.
Upon signing for Salford in 2023, Ashley penned a two-year contract at the League Two side and that is yet to be extended, meaning his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Ashley has been a vital feature in Salford’s side this season and his contract situation could be down to the fact that his current club are one game away from potentially securing a play-off place in League Two.
This in-turn increases Salford’s chances of retaining the 25-year-old due to them having a potentially better shot at securing promotion into League One this summer.
How has he fared this season?
In what’s been a more successful campaign for Salford City this time around, Ashley has featured 35 times across all competitions for the club. 32 of those have came in League Two alone.
During those matches, the 25-year-old has contributed to six goals including a goal against Morecambe in a recent match. This goal was also his first senior goal.
Ashley has previously featured for Colchetser United and AFC Wimbledon as well as breaking through at West Ham United as a youngster.
What decision should Ashley make?
Ultimately it depends on the division that Salford City are in going into next season.
Ashley has been a key figure for Salford this season and moving would jeopardise his number of minutes, especially if he heads for the Championship.
A League One move is more likely, though if Salford were to reach the play-offs and be promoted, it would seem unlikely that Ashley would move to a club in the same division unless it was to a side that were competing higher.
Therefore, it seems likely that a promotion would ensure his stay with the League Two side, but it would be difficult to fend off interest and extend his deal if they failed to go up.