Crystal Palace have made their first move of the summer transfer window by signing 18-year-old winger Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby County.
The teenage forward made his breakthrough as a senior professional under Wayne Rooney at Pride Park last season, appearing 15 times during the second half of the campaign and scoring once as the Rams were relegated to League One following two points deductions. Having only signed a one-year deal with the Rams after signing for them from Rangers last September, Ebiowei was available on a free transfer this summer, with Palace beating out Manchester United and Spurs to his signature.
The young forward, who has represented both England and the Netherlands at youth level, has signed a five-year deal at Selhurst Park that will keep him at the club until at least 2027, becoming Patrick Vieira's first signing of the summer as the Eagles prepare for the 2022/23 season. Ebiowei will join Palace on a five-year contract and link up with the club from July 1st, when his current contract with Derby County ends.
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“As everyone is aware the situation is very uncertain at Derby, so it was important for me to secure my long-term future," said the teenager. "I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of joining Palace, as they have an incredible squad and huge potential. I very much hope to contribute positively to the team this season.”
Chairman Steve Parish said of Ebiowei's arrival: “I’m delighted that Malcolm has chosen Crystal Palace as the best place to continue his development, following his impressive breakthrough into senior football in recent months. He is a highly coveted young player, and we very much expect to provide a platform for him to flourish at the highest level.”
A product of Arsenal's academy before his release from north London in 2019, Ebiowei arrived in Derby via Rangers last September, initially playing for the Under-18s and Under-23s before getting a run in the first team in January. Once part of Rooney’s squad he quickly established himself, making his first start in a 2-0 win over Barnsley in March and keeping his place for the following ten games, scoring and assisting in the 2-0 win over Blackpool on the penultimate game of the season.
Ebiowei is now the second Derby player to swap Pride Park for Selhurst Park in 2022 following Luke Plange’s arrival on deadline day in January for £1 million. His arrival is expected to be followed by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who will also sign on a free after being released at the end of his contract by West Bromwich Albion.
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