Former Arsenal Youngster Malcolm Ebiowei Joins Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of former Arsenal youngster Malcolm Ebiowei, with the player set to join officially from July 1st.

Posting on their club website, Crystal Palace confirmed that 18-year-old winger Malcolm Ebiowei will be joining the club on a free transfer when his contract with Derby County ends.

"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," Ebiowei said.

"I’d also like to thank 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.

"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."

Ebiowei spent a year with Derby, making his breakthough into senior football.

The 18-year-old started out the season in youth football, playing a mixture of u18 and u23 matches.

But as the campaign went on, Ebiowei progressed to the first-team squad, and he ended the season making 11 consecutive Championship starts.

Multiple clubs took notice, with Manchester United among them, but Ebiowei is now heading for Crystal Palace.

Ebiowei started out his youth career at Chelsea, before spending his early teenage years with Arsenal.

The winger was highly rated in North London, with the club handing him his first u18 squad appearance at 14 years old, followed by his first minutes at just 15.

But whilst the footballing pathway was clear, there were reports of problems behind the scenes.

There was never any doubt of Ebiowei's talent, things just didn't work out for him at Arsenal.

In the end, the situation was unsalvageable, and Ebiowei spent time at multiple clubs on trial before joining Rangers in early 2020.

The England youth international moved onto Derby in 2021, and he's now returning to a Premier League club with Palace.

Ebiowei isn't the first player to make those moves. Luke Plange was on the books with the Arsenal academy before moving to Derby County, and he swapped Derby for Palace in January.

Derby's financial problems and subsequent relegation to League One have forced their hand with many of their young talents.

Palace will benefit, and they'll likely integrate Ebiowei with their u23s at first, before handing him senior chances when they feel he's ready.