Oxford United are reportedly plotting a move to sign a current Crystal Palace forward, as Des Buckingham continues to prepare his side for the 2024/25 Championship season.
The club have had a busy week, confirming new contracts for duo Cameron Brannagan and Tyler Goodrham but it appears as though the club aren’t quite finished getting their side ready for the new campaign.
Buckingham’s men have two matches left of pre-season (Southampton & Palermo) before they welcome Norwich City to the Kassam Stadium, but could they have another new face through the door before then?
Ebiowei to Oxford?
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Oxford United have been tipped to make a move for Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei on a loan deal, following his inability to earn regular first-team minutes in the Premier League since his initial arrival from Derby County.
Ebiowei is reportedly still a player that Crystal Palace rate highly, but are aware that he needs first-team minutes and that could open the door for a loan exit this summer.
How did Ebiowei fare last season?
The 20-year-old has had limited first-team football at Crystal Palace since his 2022 arrival from Derby County, but enjoyed a second loan exit last season after initially spending time with fellow Championship side Hull City in the 2022/23 campaign.
Ebiowei began the previous season with Crystal Palace’s U21s, making a total of seven appearances in all competitions, whilst contributing to two goals including a strike against Stevenage in the EFL Trophy.
In January, Ebiowei was loaned out to Belgian side RWD Molenbeek where he made five further appearances and contributed to a goal.
Would this be a good move for all parties?
Though Ebiowei has limited first-team experience thus far, he has played the majority of his career in the Championship with both Derby County and Hull City, contributing to three goals though he has shown plenty of encouraging signs.
By dropping to a newly-promoted side, Ebiowei is likely to increase his exposure to first-team football and allow him to join a side batting to retain their Championship status and that motivation could be what’s required to kick-start his career once again.