Crystal Palace are set to recall Nigeria U17 invitee Malcolm Ebiowei from his disappointing loan spell at Oxford United in January 2025.
The 21-year-old once heralded as one of England's brightest young wingers, has struggled to find his footing, raising questions about his development and future.
Ebiowei’s rise began at Derby County during the 2021/22 season, where he showed immense potential in the Championship. His performances drew attention from Europe’s elite, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and Monaco.
However, in the summer of 2022, the London-born winger made a bold decision, joining Crystal Palace on a five-year deal. Reports suggest Ebiowei even ignored personal overtures from Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to commit to the Eagles.
At the time, it seemed like a coup for Palace, who envisioned Ebiowei as a long-term asset. But two years later, his career has stalled dramatically, marked by underwhelming loan spells and limited progress.
The struggle to find stability for Malcolm Ebiowei
Malcolm Ebiowei’s loan moves have highlighted his struggles to adapt. In the 2022/23 season, he joined Hull City, playing 12 games but failing to register a goal or assist in 519 minutes of action.
A short-term stint at Belgian club RWD Molenbeek in early 2024 yielded similarly disappointing results, with one assist in just five appearances and 115 minutes.
The current 2024/25 campaign has been equally frustrating. Ebiowei was sent to Oxford United in August, but opportunities have been scarce. He’s managed just six appearances across all competitions, totaling 186 minutes, with no goal contributions.
His sole start came in a Carabao Cup defeat to Coventry City. Absent from the squad since November, his loan spell is set to be terminated prematurely.
Ebiowei has not scored a senior goal since April 2022, while at Derby.
Searching for redemption
Malcolm Ebiowei’s struggles are a far cry from the promise he showed as a teenager. He has had spells at Chelsea, Arsenal, and Rangers in his youth, and even earned a spot in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He is expected to rejoin Crystal Palace’s youth setup upon his return from Oxford United.
The 21-year-old is no stranger to the academy, having featured for Palace's youth side during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. In that period, he made 10 appearances, registering three goals and one assist.
Should Palace opt against keeping him within the squad, another loan move could be on the horizon as the club seeks to revive his development and secure consistent playing time for the young winger.
With a Crystal Palace contract running until 2027, the club must decide how best to reignite Ebiowei’s once-bright career.
