Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh has joined Championship Derby County on a season-long loan. 

Joining the Rams, the 19-year-old will get his first taste of loan action since earning his professional contract at Crystal Palace in 2022. 

Ozoh joined Palace as an eight-year-old and progressed through the academy ranks, reaching the first team as a defensive midfielder. He featured 13 times for the south London club, with the Valencia-born midfielder a familiar face in Palace’s matchday squad last season. 

His standout appearance in a Palace shirt came in December 2023, when the then 18-year-old was subbed on after 34 minutes against Manchester City, helping Palace to rescue a point from 2-0 down against Pep Guardiola’s six-time league winners. 

Derby will be competing in the Championship for the first time since 2021-22 after sealing promotion from League One. The move provides a good opportunity for Ozoh to develop and test himself with regular senior appearances.

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Heading up to the East Midlands, Ozoh will be competing with Liam Tompson, Darren Robinson, Kenzo Goudmijin, Ben Osborne, Tyrese Fornah and Ebou Adams for the two spots in Paul Warne’s midfield. 

Prior to Derby’s approach, Ozoh had interest from Luton Town, however the Hatters wanted the teenager on a permanent deal. Plymouth Argyle also lodged a loan enquiry for the sought-after England Under-18 International. 

After completing his move to Derbyshire, Ozoh said: “I’m happy to be here. Derby is a big club with a big history, and I felt like it was the best place to kickstart my career.”