Tottenham, Leeds United and Fulham are reportedly set to go up against one another in their pursuit of Derby County’s teenage sensation Malcolm Ebiowei.
According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Premier League-bound Fulham are all set to go up against one another in their pursuit of Derby County wonderkid Malcolm Ebiowei in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and Rangers before moving to Derby County in 2021. Ebiowei spent a year in the club’s youth academy before making the move to the first team a year later. He made his first-team bow for Derby in February 2022, making 15 appearances since.
Ebiowei’s return of one goal and two assists is decent at best, but he did showcase enough to suggest that he has what it takes to fight it out with experienced stars. With the Rams now relegated to the third division, vultures are circling to land the side’s top prospects this summer.
A stint in the top flight could be in the offing for Ebiowei, with Tottenham, Leeds and Fulham all interested. With his contract expiring in the summer, clubs have the opportunity to secure the 18-year-old’s services for cheap.
A move to Tottenham would be the biggest step the youngster can take at the moment, but it hardly will guarantee him regular playtime. Harry Kane continues to be the club’s first-choice striker and will be the de facto primary choice next term. More so, Tottenham’s inability to get the best out of Troy Parrott could act as a warning for Ebiowei. Whether his former allegiance to Arsenal also plays a role in his decision remains to be seen.
Leeds, for their part, do need another striker. Patrick Bamford has been injured this campaign, while Rodrigo Moreno has flattered to impress. Jesse Marsch has shown the aptitude to develop young talents from his time at Red Bull Salzburg and could get the best out of Ebiowei at Elland Road. However, Leeds are still in danger of relegation, and it remains to be seen where they will ply their trade next season.
A move to Craven Cottage could prove to be the best bet for the 18-year-old. Marco Silva’s side will play in the Premier League next season and have put together an exciting young team. With Fabio Carvalho set to move to Liverpool, there is an opening in their attack for another promising youngster. While Ebiowei will need to adapt, there is a higher chance of him making the cut with the Cottagers.
Despite his contract expiring, Ebiowei’s age means that Arsenal, Rangers and Derby, all stand to be compensated should he move elsewhere. Time will decide where 18-year-old attacking sensation eventually ends up, with Tottenham, Leeds and Fulham all hot on his trail.
