Crystal Palace have reportedly trumped Manchester United in the race to sign Derby County starlet Malcolm Ebiowei.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace have prevailed in the pursuit of Malcolm Ebiowei. The Derby County forward has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in the lower leagues of English football, and he is now set to arrive at Selhurst Park this summer.
Ebiowei was closely followed by Manchester United as well, but the youngster has snubbed a move to Old Trafford, in favour of working with Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace. He has already completed his medical, with the Eagles also reaching an agreement on personal terms with the player and the club over his move to Selhurst Park.
A right-winger by trade, Ebiowei is a former member of the Arsenal youth academy who made his name at Rangers, before eventually joining Derby County last summer. The 18-year-old joined the Rams in search of a professional breakthrough under the leadership of Wayne Rooney.
The attacker did not disappoint either, racking up 16 league appearances this past season. Although his tally of one goal and two assists might not seem particularly impressive, the youngster has left the onlookers mesmerised with his dynamism and pace out wide. He is capable of operating anywhere in the final third as well, making him a well-rounded attacker and an ideal coup for Crystal Palace.
Ebiowei’s move to Selhurst Park will serve as a major blow for Manchester United, who have yet to register any players in the summer whilst losing out on the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard, who has been subjected to a move to West Ham United.
The addition of someone like Ebiowei could have offered more depth in the Manchester United attacking unit, especially with Anthony Martial likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Along with Anthony Elanga, the two youngsters might have served as the wild cards for coach Erik ten Hag ahead of the new season.
Ebiowei, though, will be delighted to have sealed a move to Crystal Palace. Under Vieira, the Eagles have transformed into a breeding ground for budding youngsters, with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, and Tyrick Mitchell all enjoying a rapid rise to prominence over the past twelve months.
There is no reason why Malcom Ebiowei cannot follow in their footsteps, though the 18-year-old must remain patient and seize any opportunity that comes his way.
