Derby County transfer news as Malcolm Ebiowei’s future at Pride Park becomes clearer
According to reports, Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei is set to reject a move to Manchester United in favor of a move to Crystal Palace.
Ebiowei, 18, has been strongly linked with a departure from Pride Park. His contract expires at the end of the season, and Derby cannot officially bind players to new contracts until the takeover is completed.
The adolescent appears to be following in the footsteps of Luke Plange by relocating to Selhurst Park.
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, once medicals are completed this week, Ebiowei will sign a contract with the Eagles. He will sign a five-year contract extension until June 2027.
In 2021/22, Ebiowei had a breakout season at Pride Park, appearing in all but one of the Rams’ final 17 Championship games. In April, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Blackpool.
Following Derby County’s 1-1 draw with Coventry City last season, Rams manager Wayne Rooney praised Ebiowei, calling him “incredible.”
“I thought he was excellent throughout the game, the best player on the pitch,” Rooney said. “It was one of the best 90-minute performances I’ve seen from a young player in a long time.
“He earned it because he worked extremely hard. His attitude is fantastic; he is eager to learn and is an exciting young player. First and foremost, his demeanor is excellent.
“He has tremendous talent, he is courageous, he will take the ball, he is not afraid to take players on, to get tackled, to make mistakes. So he has got an extremely bright future.”
