Roma have completed the signings of midfielder Maya Doms and left winger Ella Ottey, with both players agreeing contracts until 2029. The moves take Roma’s total to five arrivals across two days, following the signings of Elisabetta Oliviero, Martina Piemonte and Sofia Jahnukainen.
Maya Doms and Ella Ottey share a connection to American college football, but they arrive at very different points in their careers. Doms has already completed a full Serie A season with Sassuolo. Ottey is moving directly from the Wisconsin Badgers into the squad of the Italian champions.
Doms Has Already Completed the Adaptation Test
Doms began her career at Stanford University before being selected by Bay FC in the 2024 NWSL Draft. She later moved to Sassuolo and made 25 appearances during the 2025-26 season, scoring once.
That year in Italy gives Roma evidence that Doms can operate within Serie A. She already understands the competition and has completed the adaptation that can make an overseas transfer unpredictable.
Her move represents a step up within the same league. The challenge is no longer proving that she can play in Italy, but showing that she can earn a role for its reigning champions.
Transfer Snapshot: Maya Doms
- Player: Maya Doms
- Position: Midfielder
- From: Sassuolo
- To: AS Roma
- Transfer status: Permanent signing
- Contract: Until 2029
- Transfer fee: Not disclosed
Ottey Faces the Greater Leap
Ottey arrives without the same professional preparation. The left winger has been playing in the NCAA with the Wisconsin Badgers and will now enter a Roma squad expected to defend the Serie A title.
Her experience with Canada’s youth teams provides another level of competition. Ottey entered the national pathway at U17 level in 2021 and progressed to the U20s from 2023.
Even so, moving from college football to Roma represents a considerable transition. Her contract until 2029 gives the club time to manage that development, but her first season should begin showing how close she is to regular senior football.
Transfer Snapshot: Ella Ottey
- Player: Ella Ottey
- Position: Left winger
- From: Wisconsin Badgers
- To: AS Roma
- Transfer status: Permanent signing
- Contract: Until 30 June 2029
- Transfer fee: Not disclosed
One Recruitment Route, Two Different Projects
Roma have found two players through the North American development system without treating them as identical signings. Maya Doms arrives with 25 Serie A appearances and should be assessed against more immediate expectations. Ella Ottey brings youth international experience but still needs to establish herself professionally.
Their arrivals extend a busy period for the champions following [Roma’s three signings announced the previous day].
Five additions in two days indicate that Roma are not allowing last season’s title to slow their squad planning. Their newest pair also show that the club are searching far beyond familiar European academy routes for players capable of supporting what comes next.
Source: AS Roma
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