Jack Bryan is a football writer and life long Derby County supporter.
Malcolm Ebiowei is a winger who joined Derby County in September 2021. After impressing for the under-18's, he broke into the first team in early 2022, starting The Rams' last 11 games and making five appearances off the bench prior to that. At just eighteen years of age, Ebiowei has already made quite the impression, attracting interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester United, before Crystal Palace swooped.
The Rams’ number 32 showed himself to be superb with the ball at his feet, averaging 13.59 dribbles per 90 minutes. Critics could argue that only 48% of these were successful, but that’s still more than six per game. The youngster who has represented both England and the Netherlands and youth level, was so often the driving force behind attacks also making 1.2 key passes per 90 according to WhoScored.com and 4.97 progressive runs per 90 according to Football League World.
I think it’s fair to say that, although the former Arsenal and Rangers academy player could do with some improvement in terms of end product (he recorded only one goal and two assists last season) in many games he was the brightest spark for Derby and will be a big loss. This is reflected in (another) statement that has been released on the club website which mentions that "Derby made an attractive and competitive long-term offer to Ebiowei to retain his services, particularly as he was viewed as a key player moving forward."
It’s not only me (and other fans) that rate Ebiowei, who put in man of the match performances against Coventry and Blackpool. Now former manager Wayne Rooney said this of the forward after the 1-1 draw at home to the Sky Blues: "I thought he was excellent all game, the best player on the pitch, it was one of the best performances I have seen from a young player, consistently for 90 minutes, in a long time.” In the same press conference, Rooney also praised Ebiowei’s “incredible” attitude, bravery and “enormous amount of ability.” According to Manchester United and England’s all-time record goal scorer, “[Ebiowei] has an enormous amount of ability,” and “a really bright future”.
Overall, I think Ebiowei has been superb for Derby County, not even accounting for the context that he was making his first senior appearances for a club in turmoil, and who were the fourth lowest scorers in the division. It really is gutting to see him go but at least we will be entitled to compensation Ebiowei being under 24 and moving on a ‘free’ transfer, ‘although [Derby and Crystal Palace] are yet to agree on a fee.’ I back him to thrive in South London, and wherever else his career may take him. Just as he, and many other young players have done when thrown in at the deep end for Derby.
As I’m sure anyone reading this will be aware, a lot has gone on over the past few days. Prior to the official confirmation that Malcolm Ebiowei will move to Selhurst Park on July 1st, was the news on Friday that local businessman and ‘loyal supporter’ of Derby County, David Clowes, who owns property development company Clowes Developments. He had already purchased Pride Park Stadium on June 17. With that statement also came confirmation that Clowes has ‘issued an interim loan to the club’ and that they would ‘submit a bid to purchase’ DCFC. On Sunday afternoon, Quantuma issued a statement announcing that Clowes’ bid has been accepted and that he ‘has been granted preferred bidder status with immediate effect.’
That is hugely positive, but not all of the news has been, just like Ebiowei’s departure. On Friday evening, a statement was issued saying that Wayne Rooney had informed the club that ‘he wishes to be relieved of his duties with immediate effect’, for more that, and then all of the above, listen to Friday’s podcast.
Since recording, Kelle Roos has also departed for Aberdeen on a free transfer.
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