Malcolm thanks supporters as he heads for Eagles
DERBY County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei has signed a contract with Crystal Palace.
Ebiowei is set to leave the Rams for the Premier League when his current deal expires at the end of the month.
The 18-year-old spent last season with Derby having been signed from Rangers’ academy in September 2021. Former Rams boss Wayne Rooney handed Ebiowei, who also used to play for Arsenal, his debut in February and the England youth international went on to become a key player at Pride Park Stadium.
Ebiowei made 16 appearances for the Rams in their unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation from the Championship and scored his first goal in the away game against Blackpool at the end of April.
The youngster was a real crowd favourite at Derby, as he was a direct threat on the wings.
He will now link up with former Rams striker Luke Plange, who signed for Palace in January, at Selhurst Park.
Ebiowei has signed a five-year deal at Palace and said: “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.
“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.”
A Rams statement said: “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, and as such the Rams will be entitled to compensation, although the two clubs are yet to agree on a fee.”
Meanwhile, Kelle Roos has also said farewell to Rams fans after sealing his transfer to Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen.
The goalkeeper has signed a twoyear deal that was confirmed over the weekend and he becomes the sixth summer signing made by boss Jim Goodwin.
Roos was out of contract at Derby and his deal will come into effect on July 1, ending what has been an eight-and-a-half-year association with the club.
He made 89 appearances for the Rams in all competitions and the 30-year-old sent a message to Rams supporters on Instagram yesterday.
“Where do I start? With a heavy heart I write this but my time at the club is up,” he wrote.
“What a time it has been! Eight and a half years of highs, lows and everything inbetween. I will cherish every moment of it.
“From the Dutch to the Brits, from a boy to a man and from a son to a dad.
“Thank you to my team-mates and everyone that I have had the pleasure of working with.
“Thank you to the amazing fans from this club that made me feel at home. Tough times never last. All the best.”
Roos will be the second goalkeeper to leave the club this summer, with Ryan Allsop agreeing a deal with Championship side Cardiff City.