Crystal Palace confirm signing of Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have confirmed the arrival of young forward Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby County.

The 18-year-old, who spent time with both Chelsea and Arsenal at academy level, joined Derby in 2021 and made his senior debut in February this year, ending the season as a core fixture of Wayne Rooney's starting lineup.

A number of sides were interested in Ebiowei this summer and it was recently reported that the teenager ignored texts from new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to seal his move to Palace instead.

“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," Palace chairman Steve Parish said.

"He is a highly coveted young player, and we very much expect to provide a platform for him to flourish at the highest level.”

Ebiowei is the second Derby player to move to Palace this year, following fellow teenager Luke Plange, who joined in January but returned to Pride Park Stadium on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Derby County for their incredible support over the last year or so, and for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do on the field, and I’d also like to thank the fans for their encouragement especially given the circumstances of last season," Ebiowei said.

“As everyone is aware the situation is very uncertain at Derby, so it was important for me to secure my long-term future.”