Derby County are set to make their sixth signing of the summer transfer window after a busy month of business so far.
The Rams are preparing for their return to the Championship, with hopes of building on last season’s promotion under Paul Warne.
While the squad pushed hard to climb out from League One, it’s clear that plenty more quality is required for the step up to the next division.
Five new faces have made their way through the doors at Moor Farm, with Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates, Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams all joining the club.
Derby aren’t set to stop there though, with Warne keen to add even more bodies to his available options for the season ahead.
The next one on their radar is a loan deal, with Crystal Palace youngster David Ozoh set to join Derby for the coming season.
Many of the Pride Park faithful will be wondering what the 19-year-old could add to the team in the midfield department going forward.
- READ MORE: Derby County confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
David Ozoh profile ahead of Derby County transfer
With the move for Ozoh set to be announced, Derby County News spoke to Crystal Palace expert and We Are Palace writer Billy Meyers for an insight into the youngster.
Ozoh, 19, is a midfielder who has already been handed senior appearances in the Premier League for Palace.
Speaking about his journey so far, Meyers said: “David Ozoh has been limited to just ten Premier League appearances – all as a substitute – at Crystal Palace due to fierce midfield competition in the form of Cheick Doucoure, Jefferson Lerma and Adam Wharton.
“Nevertheless, he has always given 100% when called upon, and notably delivered a standout performance against Manchester City inside the Etihad Stadium of all venues, performing to a standard where he did not seem out of place against Pep Guardiola’s treble winners whatsoever, as Crystal Palace fought back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw.”
Ozoh’s loan will come with the expectations of some much-needed experience, with plenty of quality players ahead of him in the pecking order at Selhurst Park.
So, with Adams and Goudmijn already part of the great rebuild in Warne’s midfield department, what can Derby fans expect from the England youth international?
“Derby fans can expect plenty of physicality from Ozoh next season,” Meyers added. “Despite being just 19 years of age, the Valencia-born prospect is a real powerhouse who is physically ready for the rigours of Premier League football, although he is not limited to this.
“Ozoh also displays real calmness in possession and loves a crunching tackle which gets supporters off seats.”
Crystal Palace’s ideal outcome for David Ozoh loan
While in the short-term, Derby will be hopeful that Ozoh can help the team achieve their goals for the season, Crystal Palace will also have their own interests in mind too.
In the young midfielder, the Eagles have a promising prospect who will need more senior football to progress.
“Ideally, Ozoh will develop his talents enough at Pride Park to become a regular starter for Crystal Palace next season, should one of Lerma, Doucoure or Wharton leave,” Meyers said on the ideal outcome of the loan deal from a Crystal Palace perspective.
“If they all stay, he can still aim to become an important squad player, although he arguably deserves a larger role with his immense talent.
“Simply put, I believe Ozoh would have been a key man under Glasner next season, if not for the level of quality he is up against in Crystal Palace’s midfield department.”
It’s plenty of praise for a player that many will be hoping can leave his mark on Pride Park before the short spell he is set to be a part of.
Derby transfer plans after Ozoh deal
So, with Ozoh set to join Derby, it means that attention will quickly turn towards the next players of interest to the club.
It’s clear that the priority has to be a goalkeeper, due to how light the position is heading into the transfer window this summer.
Beyond that, further attacking options and another centre-back could be on the cards, while the loan market appears to heat up.