Malcolm Ebiowei Rejects Manchester United and Signs for Crystal Palace

Malcolm Ebiowei, Manchester United, Crystal Palace

Premier League side Crystal Palace have completed a deal to sign Derby County forward Malcolm Ebiowei this summer. The youngster has decided to snub Manchester United and will move to Selhurst Park.

The 18-year-old had an option to sign for the Red Devils but the English striker decided against joining them. He will join the Eagles on July 1, after the expiry of his contract. Ebiowei was touted to make a move to the Premier League this season after his promising performances for the Championship side, now relegated to League One, in the 2021/22 season.

Malcolm Ebiowei, Derby County, Crystal Palace — Image obtained via TEAMtalk

Malcolm Ebiowei had scored 8 times and given three assists in 29 appearances for Derby last season (stats via Transfermarkt). He helped manager Wayne Rooney to overcome the 21-point sanction imposed on the club for financial mismanagement.

The young striker featured in 16 games in the Championship, starting in 11 of those games (stats via Transfermarkt). Rooney’s club fought hard to avoid relegation and even managed to pull off a few miraculous wins against top 2 teams – Fulham and Bournemouth – but that was not enough to save the Rams from relegation.

According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Derby County striker Malcolm Ebiowei. The 18-year-old forward completed his medicals last week before signing a five-year deal with Patrick Vieira’s side, which will keep himat the club till 2027.

Official, confirmed. Crystal Palace have completed Malcolm Ebiowei deal, statement announces. 🔵🔴 #CPFC

“The 18-year-old winger’s set to join Patrick Vieira’s squad from 1st July, when his current contract with Derby ends, on a five-year deal”, Palace now confirm.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2022

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that Malcolm Ebiowei had turned down United and chosen Crystal Palace as his next destination. In his first season at the Selhurst Park, he will act as a backup for Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew who are in their 30s. He will also be more involved with the first-team squad at Palace than he would have been at the Old Trafford.

The Red Devils only have 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as their main striker. The departure of Edinson Cavani and the indefinite suspension of Mason Greenwood have opened up two spots in the striker role. Ebiowei could have been a signing for the future, given he has already displayed his potential for Derby. The connection with Wayne Rooney could have been a boost for United but that was not the case.

English talent Malcolm Ebiowei won’t join Manchester United. He’s set to sign his contract with Crystal Palace after medicals completed this week, it’s a done deal. 🚨🔵🔴 #CPFC

Ebiowei will leave Derby County to join Palace – contract will be valid until June 2027. pic.twitter.com/EMtfJiwIbS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2022

In all honesty, the 18-year-old striker was more likely to be a signing for the Manchester United academy. But what the Red Devils desperately need right now is a signing for the first-team. He might have made a few occasional appearances for the first-team depending on his performance. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Malcolm Ebiowei would be getting more first-team experience with Crystal Palace.

Losing Out On Malcolm Ebiowei Is A Moral Setback For Manchester United

Manchester United have not made even one signing this summer and are far off from their rivals in terms of squad strength. Instead, they have confirmed the departures of many players including a few key first-team players. It could be said that the Red Devils are having the worst transfer window compared to their competitors and desperately need a reinforcements in different positions.

United’s academy players has been great last season. They won the Youth FA Cup and are not in dire need of signings right now. However, the senior team have experienced the worst season by a Manchester United side in the Premier League era. They need at least 4 to 5 signings to close the gap with their opponents.

United have already been rejected by Jurrien Timber and now, rejection from Malcolm Ebiowei as well. Nevertheless, no one would have actually expected the 18-year-old striker to suddenly improve the team’s output in the final third. United do have other important positions to be worried about, like signing a defensive midfielder. Signing a striker also remains a priority but a proven first-team goal-scorer should be the target.

A move to Selhurst Park makes more sense for Ebiowei career-wise. He was very unlikely to play first-team football from this season onwards at Old Trafford. However, this failed attempt does tell us about how United have lost their pull in the transfer market. If the striker was asked to choose a decade ago, then the player would not have thought about any other English club but Manchester United.

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