Derby County fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Championship football, with a match against Blackburn Rovers marking the start of what many hope will be a successful campaign in the second tier.
Paul Warne led Derby back to the Championship last season, securing the final automatic promotion spot alongside Portsmouth. However, the excitement of that achievement now feels like a distant memory.
This summer, Derby has been active in the transfer market, bringing in players like Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson to bolster their attack. The signing of Kenzo Goudmijn from the Netherlands also highlights the Rams’ growing appeal.
There was speculation about Malcolm Ebiowei potentially joining Derby on loan, alongside Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh. However, football journalist Alan Nixon has clarified that no such deal is in the works, and no contact has been made regarding Ebiowei’s return.
Oxford United have secured the Palace player on a season-long loan, prompting Derby to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements for Warne’s squad. The newly promoted team has previously been linked with a skilled winger who dazzled in League One with Blackpool last season. This winger might be eager to prove himself at a higher level with Derby.
Derby is reportedly interested in signing Karamoko Dembele from Brest, according to journalist Darren Witcoop. While no move has been finalized yet, Oxford’s acquisition of Ebiowei could push Derby to act quickly and make a competitive bid for Dembele, potentially gaining an advantage over Oxford, who could be a relegation rival.
| Dembele’s League One numbers for Blackpool (23/24) | |
|---|---|
| Stat – per 90 mins* | Dembele |
| Games played | 39 |
| Goals scored | 8 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Shots* | 1.3 |
| Key passes* | 2.0 |
| Big chances missed | 0 |
| Big chances created | 15 |
| Stats by Sofascore | |
Ebiowei has yet to make a significant impact in the men’s game compared to players like Dembele. During his time with Derby County, he scored just one goal and provided two assists in the Championship over two seasons. His stint with Belgian side RWD Molenbeek last season was similarly underwhelming, with no goals and only one assist.
Despite this, his early performances at Derby were impressive enough to earn him a major move to Crystal Palace. The speculation about Ebiowei possibly returning to Derby could be due to a sense of unfinished business at Pride Park after his early departure in 2022.
For now, his immediate future is set at Kassam Stadium.