Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh is expected to join Championship side Derby County on loan this summer as the Rams appear to have edged Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town to the 19-year-old’s signature.
As reported by the South London Press, Ozoh is nearing a loan move to Derby for the 2024/25 campaign. The midfielder will join the newly promoted side, who won automatic promotion from League One last season after finishing second in the third tier.
However, the move means that interested Plymouth and Luton will miss out on signing the teenager this summer. The Championship duo were reportedly eager to sign the highly-rated Palace player and both clubs showed interest earlier in July, with the Hatters looking to strike a permanent deal to land Ozoh.
However, Derby are in pole position to make Ozoh their sixth signing of the summer. The Midlands club have already added central midfielders Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams to their ranks.
As well as bringing in three central midfielders, the club have lost the likes of Louie Sibley, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith already this summer. In response, Paul Warne looks to be bolstering his options in the centre of the park ahead of the new campaign.
Ozoh will arrive at Pride Park with some Premier League experience. The 19-year-old made his first-team debut at Palace last season at Newcastle and made nine top-flight appearances, as recorded by Transfermarkt.
Moreover, the young midfielder made history as Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant last season. As a result, he is held in high regard by the South London outfit, where he has developed since joining the academy aged eight.
Writer’s View
Ozoh’s signing will be a huge coup for Derby for several reasons. First, he is a player with great potential who can offer dynamism, experience and a physical presence in central midfield – ideal for the demands of the Championship.
Second, the fact that Warne and Derby have convinced Ozoh to join the Rams ahead of other Championship rivals is a big boost. Such a signing shows that the newly promoted side has a certain appeal that can help land promising players who can bolster options and provide genuine competition for the first team.
