18-year-old Malcolm Ebiowei may have only made 16 appearances for Derby County since joining the club last season, but the winger showed plenty of potential in his games that made him a well loved player quickly.

Despite his best efforts, due to off the pitch factors at the club, it wasn't enough to keep the Rams in the Championship and they suffered relegation to League One.

As it stands, the club are still waiting for a takeover to go through in preparation for the new season and manager Wayne Rooney has now departed the club.

Therefore, it came as little surprise that the youngster is making to move to Premier League side Crystal Palace when his contract at Pride Park expires at the end of the month.

Despite having spent less than a year at the club, Ebiowei was keen to say his goodbyes those at Derby as he told Derbyshire Live: "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 thanks the fans for their encouragement especially given the circumstances of last season.

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

 

 

The Verdict: 

Given there is still a large amount of uncertainty surrounding Derby County, this is a transfer that didn't come as much as a surprise especially given how highly rated he has been this season. However, fans at Pride Park will be sad to see him go as another popular face departs from the club.

From the youngster's words, it's clear that he has enjoyed his time with the Rams and feels the move allowed him to progress his career despite the off pitch issues that came during his time with the club.

Signing for Crystal Palace, a club that has done well with its young players of late, is a big opportunity for the player and given the future of the Rams is still unknown, it is a move that makes complete sense.